record_id: 2fcf8b3e-f83d-816d-9c08-e8037ffed823
created_time: 2026-02-03T03:02:00.000Z
title: 02-02 Briefing: Prepared Decision-Making Across Pool Installation, Youth Soccer Culture, ICE Operations, and U.S.–Iran Strategy
source_url: /

[TRANSCRIPTION]
Speaker 1 00:05:04
What do you think?
Speaker 2 00:05:04
Well, I use open source intelligence certainly after the president's comments to look at. Which parts of the IRGC are mostly involved in doing things like putting down protesters, uh riot control, you know that kind of stuff. And I figured out again, open source intelligence. I don't have any spies or anything like that where those facilities are located. So, when I wrote about the president, like two weeks ago on Vice, and the president said, help us on the way. But you know, what's what's the deal here? What's going on? Some people said Jim, you know, you can't criticize the president without saying what he should do. Well I did everything short of a coordinates and a street address to these locations and I got to have this feeling that if uh the aspects of IRGC they're most involved in bringing if their barracks suddenly explode, that's not going to help morality. That's not going to help, you know, and I figure, that'd be a great shot in the arm for protesters. Is there legitimate concern about if Americans helped does the regime, then say ah they're all with tools of Americans or all with tools of Israelis? Yeah but regime is gonna say that anyway like nobody believes them regime. That's one thing yeah there is no support for regime inside Iran no. 
Speaker 2 00:05:36
The main impetus behind these protests, and this uprising is that the Iranian economy is a mess. The currency has become completely devalued. We have problems with inflation in this country, way, way worse than Iran, right? So even if they can somehow kill a whole bunch of people, and even if they can somehow stamp down every Iranian who dares raise their voice, you're still stuck with the economic problems. And this regime is not going to be able to fix that. It would require wholesale changes in all of their policies, so they might not have to deal with corruption. And they'd have to deal with all the bad loans like there's really no way for them to get out of this. So one way or another, the Iranian regime can't continue the way it is. The question is, do they hang on by their fingernails for as long as possible after you know, a bloodbath of massacring protests or.
Speaker 2 00:06:25
The I S I S could theoretically fly off to Moscow. There are all these reports that they could fly in gold bars to Moscow and bring in weapons back on the flights and stuff like that. Um, if you are maybe for the military, you know, based on these other units are going out and repressing people, there probably some Iranian military folks who are like, I don't want to shoot my my fellow countrymen. I don't want to shoot people who are protesting because they can't afford food, and their money is completely devalued. And, if the United States starts bombing, you know, military targets that are not associated with getting uh this resilience, you know they start hitting like naval units or something like that. I can see the Iranians saying what do you doing America? Why are you shooting? You know my brother who's defending our country. So again your targets selection matters a lot. I have no idea how difficult this would be. But I do figure, if you could do anything akin to a decapitation strike, if you could take out the ISIL leadership, take out the top commanders.
Speaker 3 00:07:18
There's a little cork in my bathroom shower, where we have a rain head shower head that just doesn't work under twenty degrees. I don't remember the last time that thing has worked. It is it's driving me quite batty. Well, I um I thought New Jersey was getting in the short end of the states as well, but if you marry a California girl, those aren't acceptable numbers. No, let's get serious here. We're going to talk about do you expect to war with Iran? Do you expect strikes on Iran? Um, I don't know what the scale of those strikes are going to be. I think President Biden himself has said to degree that he has followed through with his red line, and he hasn't flagrantly violated it. And President Biden himself has said that this was a terrible decision for Barack Obama not to follow up on his own sunset line. I think there has to be these strikes. I hope they're not symbolic ;. They very well could be There's, a variety of scenarios that we could be seeing ;. We are not sure what the president wants to see A strike. So broad and so big that it could actually collapse regime, although I think that's probably desirable, but it could be calibrated in in a way. So as to avoid triggering an Iranian response that looks like this response, we could expect if there was an existential threat for the regime. Um, which could take many forms. The most serious of which would be a real concerted effort to sink a US warship. That would take a lot of drones, a lot of one-way attack drones, missiles, uh boats armed with suicide attackers. It would be a concentrated attack in order to achieve something real, Not just to demonstrate the capability we saw in the wake of the um operation in the Hanbury area, basically in Qatar. It'd be something very different but that is my nightmare scenario. Not just loosing all the missiles and seeing where they go. And hopefully, they have some kind of effect on them. But if there's something really designed to demonstrate that the US is vulnerable on this app. You know, The British Navy, when they invaded successfully the Falklands to take them back from the Argentinians many, many years ago about your Senate, The Argentinians sunk every ship. So it was a great shock uh for Imperial Royal Navy that an Exocet missile could do that. So there's no guarantee and there are a lot of bases. I asked Admiral Montgomery yesterday retired Rear Admiral United States Navy. He thinks the greater threat are to our bases anywhere without GPS.
Speaker 3 00:08:16
They're not so good at the stuff that moves, but they're pretty good at finding the patient. No. Yeah, and this would be for the regime to take on that kind of operation. It would be an all-or-nothing sort of situation. That's what Mclarecy believes the game is really on. I heard my colleague General in your last segment say that there's a possibility that the Iranian clerisy could flee to Moscow. I think that's pretty remote just based on their own mythology. It was Khomeini who fled, Khomeini who slaughtered people in the streets, and we're not like that, we don't do that, you know they obviously are doing precisely that. So, there's something about an element of this regime from the founding that maintains. This is Iran. We are Iran, we die with Iran or live with Iran. So I don't expect them to flee. I expect them to fight no The older generation doesn't want these rats. The older generation, listen Richard Dawkins The older generation fought the I ran- I ra q war for ten years and walked through minefields. So they're not going anywhere. My question is in terms of what Trump said what the president said on.
Speaker 2 00:08:45
On the True Social Guy on my show, then it's on Hannity, then to uh CBS News Tony Decoppo. Then on True Social Guy, And he said, eight times uh that a price will be paid if they harm the gun show. He has to do it. But I just have a question of I. Don't think he has to do it until we're as safe as we can be and I accept that as an excuse. We're still flying bags in. How long does he have until he is rightly subject to criticism for erasing red lines like Obama did? I don't know, that's a good question. It's already too late for me and I suspect that it was a material deficit. We talked about this at the time that our assets were tied up in Ukraine and Venezuela, and we did not have the assets in place. So maybe could have done this historic opportunity. I think that is a real missed opportunity that they certainly won't look at kindly, but he doesn't have much longer to wait. I think of protests, you know how elaborate information from Iran like these protests are really relatively fizzled out.
Speaker 3 00:09:11
We're starting to talk ourselves into the notion that the best case scenario would be a military dictatorship to replace the regime. I was nice to imagine, the IRGC, the Quds Force, the religious police, So it's a totalitarian regime would be replaced with something like an emerging under Sisi or Mubarak in Egypt, something very military in nature and very undemocratic. I think we shouldn't be talking ourselves into that as though that's the best case option for us right now. Um we have a. The violence that we saw on the street was a result of an outpouring of. I would call it democratic enthusiasm. I don't think I'm shy about saying that. That was a liberal movement uh at its root and certainly not. 
Speaker 2 00:09:31
Korea's such a poor run in the last hour, And I'm going to ask him because he knows Iran at least as well as anyone in Silicon Valley without classified uh access information. What is the ceiling for Iran? I think it's really high. I think it is very much it's a first world country, The Shah had Iran on the right evolution path, and it just gone backwards for 47 years. I think it can reclaim growth pretty quickly. They got everything there that they can too. There's a lot of x factors there, including repression of Iranian minorities over the course of last 50 years. How would how would these areas feel? The Kurds, the Baluchis, the Marsh Arabs, How do they feel about a military dictatorship, which has been their roller for 40 without these oppressive pasbids? Not very many shots out of the army this morning. After break up play, my hair son America forces break, which was right after break up newsroom, right after Holmes got done speaking and I began by saying that was a masterful class in communication. Did you watch him?
Speaker 3 00:09:59
I didn't want to read the transcript or elements of the transcript. And so I can't comment on it. I can't comment on the drama for you, that's a theater critic. But I can say that the substance of the remarks were powerful and aggressive and exactly what Donald called for. Again, and I've said this a couple times, seven others have said it in your shows like a tactical retreat, which is what they're engineering here. It's not to abandon the campaign, it is to prosecute the campaign on more auspicious terms and better circumstances. And as secretary put it, Administration with better part of prudence, compelled this administration to do that and I'm very glad that they took that opportunity because temperature in this country is quite high right now. And even though it looks like a retreat indeed, The second in as many weeks, if you count the operation that President took in Greenland, but that is prudent leadership and sensible leadership and uh de-escalation of conflict. This administration sought to engage.
Speaker 2 00:10:29
And He didn't raise his voice. He spoke calmly throughout. I wish everyone in America would learn: you don't persuade anyone by shouting. You think that message is getting across to anybody?
Speaker 3 00:10:37
Well, if it does get across, to almost everybody who's not engaged in political combat on a day- to- day basis. And then those of us who are involved in it, in this business— now we're the weird ones. We're the ones who think that you know that domestic politics is an existential fight for the very soul of the nation. Most of the country doesn't think that way, and so they wouldn't behave that way— very high- strung and theatrical manner. Um, But those of us who do this— we do politics as entertainment— sometimes lapse into that— and I can find a tiny bit of the political cast, too, to see that from him. Uh bureaucrats like Tom Holman very good at his job, just reject that form of theater.
Speaker 2 00:10:53
Welcome back, America. I am joined by Allie on a joint on the CQH show. She is the editor in chief of The Washington Free Beacon, a contributor to Commentary Podcast. She is also a native of the Twin Cities. Allie, I want to start with the Twin Cities. I haven't heard Commentary P od cast ; I've been in the Senate chair for two days and not dancing around this thing to you and the fellows at Imprecise over at Commentary. What, do you think of Tom Holman's remarks this morning about the situation in the Twin Cities? Now?
Speaker 4 00:11:11
Well, You I just listened to your remarks on the Fox program and I totally agree with you. I thought he gave an absolutely uh lucid presentation, and I will say as a reporter, I love somebody who goes up to the microphone and says, "I was given talking points but I'm not going to use them." So that that was fantastic. And the one thing I thought he did, I know you said you appreciated um one of his remarks in particular. Something else caught my eye. You liked his remark about no comment on the video. I appreciated something else, which was his explanation very clearly that minimal cooperation from local law enforcement will allow ICE to draw down quickly. And why? And, he explained that for ICE picking up a criminal illegal immigrant from a jail requires much less manpower than doing an operation to pick up a criminal off the streets or in their home, which requires a big team, plus a team to follow to deal with all of the.
Speaker 4 00:11:41
Who se main goal has been not peaceful protest, but to interfere and prevent the administration of federal law enforcement. I thought that was really important.
Speaker 2 00:11:46
And again, I heard that too, and I thought point point point. Eliana, do you think Donald Trump has a unique way of communicating? But not many people, if anyone else can do it that way, because you have to be a celebrity, you have to have a bit of the developer in you. You've got to have ten years of reality television training to communicate with that range. I think the homier approach calm, quiet collected already passed around the cabinet table, and people already told his study Marco Rubio's way. It's it's in the way of uh Doug Burgum. There are only a few people who want ranges they're outside of their vocal uh, expertise.
Speaker 4 00:12:05
There are a number of good communicators. I think the president has on hand for this mission, uh which is a serious one in Minnesota. Tom Homan, whose background of 40 years in law enforcement, his sober mean and deep knowledge both of the mission and of the law. I think was perfectly suited to Minnesota, as was Marco Rubio's at yesterday with the Senate, which was a masterclass in diplomatic, uh, in diplomacy and back and forth. And they had different styles you know Rubio Rubio was funny and charming. I wouldn't say Homan was either of those things, but they were both wonderful in their respective venues.
Speaker 4 00:12:40
Well, Particularly when you're sitting next to or across from the president, and he's in a room with you. I think Vance really showed his range and his utility on the campaign trail where he came out of the gate and had a rough go of things. He's really been fantastic doing battle with the media, particularly on these Sunday shows. And he really shines going back and forth with the mainstream press. And, it shows he's a real asset to this administration where when he does a Sunday show, the headlines that come out of it, Particularly Margaret Brennan on CBS News are of the vice president, pressing the administration's case and owning their respective posts. And I think President came to value that both on the campaign trail and in administration. I'll call him for John Dickerson Sunday shows. I think he is John Dickerson Sunday shows now let's go to Iran uh war or no war Eliana Johnson. What do you think? You know, it was funny. We talked about this a week ago. I was sort of the outlier on the commentary podcast, saying that I thought the window for action was still open, and that's where I still am. I do believe the president will act now. None of us know what can happen. I could be wrong, but with the assets in the region and Trump renewing his threats, he's laid out his conditions for a deal. They are abandon the nuclear program, Limit ballistic missile capacity, which remains formidable for this regime, even though it was weakened by a 12 - day war in June, Israel and US really did not touch ballistic missile capacity and stop funding of terror. Proxies. It seems to me that those are conditions that the Iranian regime will not agree to And. So I think we're going to see action Because Adam Craig will figure out what the war plan is yet because Adam usually has those scoops over at The Washington Free Beacon I wish trust me you. We have that on The Rough Page if we know it, He is a remarkable reporter. I don't know how long he's been at The Beacon, but he gets scoops even when other people.
Speaker 4 00:13:33
He's a twelve-year O G, And I would point your folks to his wonderful report yesterday morning that while the P A president claimed to have suspended pay for slay programs, they were merely shifted into another organization and continued all the while. A confidential non-public state department report to Congress showed you know once a terrorist, always a terrorist. I also want to compliment the Free Beacon. I hate affirmative, action ;. It's unconstitutional to use race or or gender to award benefits or inflict punishments. That's why it's constitutional. You guys stay on that is that like a beat at the Beacon? Our uh star superstar reporter and we have several of them, but our reporter Aaron Severium uh is on that as are a few others. And I would note that the Justice Department weighed in in a case on U C L A uh there was brought by Do No Harm against U C L A medical school, and the Justice Department weighed in on Do No Harm's behalf just yesterday. So, we're seeing concrete action from this administration on this matter and source of it is.
Speaker 2 00:14:02
Uh impactful reporting. Last year, A former member of the UCLA Board of Advisors told me that two years ago, the only Jewish person in the UCLA Medical School two years ago. Wow. One. One Jewish doctor at UCLA Medical School class of two years ago. I cannot believe it. Kellyana, good to see you as always, Follow Kellyana on X @ K elly ana Y Johnson read The Free Beacon at freebeacon dot com and come right back to this video show. All, right? So you heard me talk a lot about Consumer Cellular I can switch your carrier and save money without sacrifice because Consumer Cellular uses the same towers as the major carriers because number one for network coverage. And before don't forget, my code is Q No I did not know about that Q I'm very sorry. And yet very happy because uh, getting hammered is a form of anesthesia for many people Right? It was an easy thing to do I'll be laughing, especially at the fact that the winter storm has caused you to add some pounds. And your wife doesn't like watching you work out. Yes, that is correct. You know, we get into this hoarding mentality, but especially in the Washington D.C. area here, A storm's coming. And then you know, everybody treats the local supermarket, like it's a Soviet Union. And all the you know shelves are suddenly bare. And, then you're suddenly eating three meals a day plus between snacks, because you know you feel like you have to. As again like I mentioned on the show, it's like looking at The Oval Office in The Shining. Yes, again, it's a couple of days. It's not the end of the world. I eat less when weather is nicer. Uh Vic tell me if I asked my captain yesterday, she said, D.C. Was leading Virginia in the disaster list because snowstorms are snowstorms for about two days, and then they become failures of government or success stories for government, which is it in D.C. and Maryland? Uh yeah well for D.C definitely. 
Speaker 2 00:14:53
We're talking about again the nation's capital. People are coming into the city as we speak. They're flying in, they're taking trains. I got to uh meet with a a friend of mine, uh Tunku Varadarajan of The Wall Street Journal and he had to hop around. He said it was very perilous in Washington's capital. He thought that was uh a little bit unnerving and disturbing. I said, that's uh come to be expected. So it is a mess. And uh Mayor Bowser, the mayor is blaming uh the situation on the unusual circumstance of sleet and snow, which he, uh claims has never happened before. But everybody, including our friend Tim Carney has been saying for a long time. Get out there, get the shovels out, get the trucks out while it's still soft snow before this sleet hardens. And you have these giant sheets of ice rock. Of course, they didn't do that. And now we have this mess where we had literally. Lane going in and out of some of these main thoroughfares. I'm here in Arlington, Virginia, and honestly here it's not that much better. Uh the roads to get over to Key Bridge is one lane. Normally it's four. Yeah, that's a disaster. And I don't know what they're gonna change it back in nineteen a long way ago, far away nineteen eighty four, the fetching missus here at my apartment on the on way at the corner of California Connecticut. And for me, to go from there to Vienna, Virginia is a straight shot out. The sixty six, about fifteen twenty minutes took us seven hours to make that trip because of sleet and ice. That was unexpected. It wasn't forecasted Why people aren't ready with sand? I mean Ohio right now is tonight, my hometown will be minus eleven degrees, and they know how to deal with that in Ohio Muriel Bowser blaming someone else, I'm shocked shocked that a government official didn't stand up and say, I failed to prepare.
Speaker 2 00:15:41
Well, I'm actually shocked that she even bothered to sort of give an excuse because you know, she's on her way out, she's not running for re-election. I made a comparison the other day on getting hammered to Mary and Barry D. Scott, California, You know, during the Super Bowl and said, hey, I called during halftime, you know, they always make sure the mayor's streak gets plowed, but that's about it. And so uh I am shocked about that. And, of course, this is a big test for uh the first of many big tests for Abigail Spanberger in Virginia. And I honestly, don't think she's doing a great job at least when it comes to snow cleanup, let alone taxes. Now I want to go back to the getting hammered portion of discussion. Uh twice in my long life, twice have I been approached by someone yelling at me in a public lot. Uh if we get the boo from Princess Bride, because apparently someone did the boo at getting hammered by Catherine Ham, and she marched right over there and talked to the individual? I've been accosted twice, but was so shocked that i either got mad or just kind of ooh, ooh, ooh That's it! So okay has it ever happened to you? No, I'm trying to think about this and I've been I've done. A lot of you know, speaking gigs over many years. I've been in the business now for what 30 years now here and uh I've dealt with hostile audiences uh, but that was sort of anticipated, especially during the Iraq war. And so I expected hostile questions at the time when I was at The Weekly Standard. But walking into a place and getting booed. Uh no uh not for uh not for the circumstances that um uh then Mary Catherine found herself in. But, of course, being Mary Catherine. She uh, you know, she likes a good conflict, and you sort of stun your opponent when you beat them to the punch. Uh, and this person obviously had to take a step back and realize that, you know, maybe they were taking it a little too seriously, like, You ever been to Aspen? Oh no, I have not been there actually. The airport's not very big. You have to fly little airplanes in there with kind of quick descent.
Speaker 2 00:16:40
Which kind of which kind of I'm like am I, a fire and brimstone guy in America? Wait, let me check. Come here. That's like half the country. Yeah, yeah, no, Uh, no, no, that was very disturbing. Uh, I'm, sorry, you had to deal with it. Oh no it was fine. And now tell me what you thought of Tom Holman this morning? That could not be on camera yesterday because it was yesterday. That's, right. Um yeah. We talked about the ice situation. Yesterday. We knew that Holman was coming in, and he was going to replace Kadena with the situation, sort of calming things down. And I really do think he did. So he had an 8 : 00 a. M press conference right here early our time on the east coast. Uh and look what he wanted to do is he spoke to the authorities, He spoke to, you know, Minneapolis politicians who matter uh and if you wanted to have a reset, because let's let's stop for everybody's sake. Ask ourselves why is ICE here in Minnesota or in any state? What, it is exactly that they're doing and why did the situation become so dangerous? And I think he did a very good job about explaining what the role of ICE is, the people that they're apprehending, the number of arrests, uh, the murder rates they have in this country. All these things. Um again, life would be so much easier. Uh if they were able if ICE was just able to retrieve illegals, who do uh who are no longer doing anything in the jails. Let me give you one quick question from Tom Homann this morning. Turn on your personal oppositions and we can always start it. I think I wait for a little bit, and we want to make sure you can turn on your personal oppositions and let me say it again because I know you're not surrendering your mission at all. Do you believe him? Rick Mattis. 
Speaker 2 00:17:28
Yeah, I think so. I mean, you know, Trump very much campaigned on this. Homem is a very serious, sober guy. If they can reduce the presence of ICE agents on the street, then fine. But in terms of getting very dangerous illegal criminals off the streets, that's something that they're going to continue to do. Great. I'd like to see that continue obviously. The big question is Jacob Fry talking both sides out of his mouth. Because on the one hand behind the scenes I mean, he spoke to President Trump, and he spoke to Homem, and there seems to be some level of understanding about what ICE needs to do. And again, what do they have in common here? Both sides say they want, they want the community be safer, but obviously, Jacob Fry doesn't want them doing a lot more. Uh just make it clear by helping Donald Trump and ICE There you go Keith Ellison being a straight shooter is not very sharp on the law as he went helped ICE take detainees for release from prison. Matt is on X. He's also the co-host of the Getting Hammered podcast, which is wonderful before a Senate hearing anywhere you go. Thank you, Zach.
Speaker 2 00:18:27
Skipping one minute of intro. Morning, morning, raising back out there. They're working out on Saturday. I have a big weekend pod for you focused almost exclusively on Iran with a little bit of Israel. But mostly on Iran because the word that looms there could be enormous, could be huge. And, the latest reporting that we've gotten from The, Times of Israel is that talks have been breaking down. The Iranian senior officials have rejected President Trump's demand that they curb their nuclear activities, return their fissile material and get rid of the missiles, Ballistic missiles, which threaten all our allies in Israel, but also the Gulf Cooperation Council, Turkey, maybe Europe and maybe even as far as Europe. And the mullahs have said no. So I expect something to happen. I don't think it's going to happen this weekend, but it might. So that's why I got a special emergency podcast that brought together all of my interviews over the past three weeks with people who know what they're talking about Iran, and they are all available to go over again tomorrow here. Podcasting, you'll find that special emergency broadcast. But today is a look back with Matt Contetty, Ben Domenech, Eli Lake and John Ellis at everything that's happened and what might happen going forward. What they think is the best case, what they think is the worst case and what they think are the risks. Do not miss a minute of today's Hugh Hewitt show. Welcome back America. I'm Hugh Hewitt joined by Matt Continetti. Matt is the head of domestic studies at the American Enterprise Institute. He's a columnist for The Wall Street Journal. Welcome back Matt, happy Friday to you. I want to start I'm going to spend most of our time on Iran and the United States possibly going to war this weekend, but I want to actually begin with Prime Minister Keir Starmer visiting China on his way out. He mumbled the name Jimmy Lai Jimmy Lai is a British citizen. Who's going to die in solitary confinement? Did the prime minister do right by a person who he is supposed to be pledged to protect Well. It's a start to say his name Hugh, but it's clearly not enough Jimmy Lai's legal saga has been going on for years.
Speaker 2 00:19:25
We're all aware that he is being held in terrible conditions. He is a champion of freedom, of a free press, Who has been libeled and arrested by the Hong Kong authorities acting under Beijing's direction. So it's good that Keir Starmer mentioned Jimmy Lai, but he needs to do so again and more loudly. And I hope that President Trump brings up Jimmy Lai as well as he heads into a meeting with Xi Jinping in a few months in Beijing. He told me he had done it before; I'm sure he'll do it again, But I think when you're Bob and you're head of your government is there, and he doesn't just mumbles on the way out. I was very disappointed. Now to I ran : Well first to the media coverage of I ran : There are four stories today : Iran, um Minnesota, worsering of the Fed Reserve and John Lennon. What do you think is the relative importance of those four? And what were. Are we ascending or descending? Well, obviously, Don Lemon is the least important. You know, I would say Minnesota is next. It's number three, important, but not as important as the next head of the Federal Reserve, who will have tremendous influence over the economy. And then of course Iran, Which has been the nail in American foreign policy since the Islamic Revolution in 197 9. That's the most important story. And of course, it's the one that media is covering least. That was that that's my conclusion too. Why is it? Do they lack. The ability, the understanding, the resource? You don't have any reporters there, obviously, or they'll go to jail. But why are they reluctant to be like? I think a bit of it is a reluctance to get into what Biden didn't do and what Obama did do, and both of those were wrong. Well I have a rule view, which is that media can focus on only one story at a time. And it tends to go for the shiniest object that often, you know, you know, cliche, if it bleeds, it leads.
Speaker 2 00:20:21
And so you have the N S O story, of course, with the killings of the two American citizens. And of course, two and a half weeks that obviously has seized the media's attention. But what trumps it, if it leads, it leads is when you have the media reporting on itself. And so as soon as Don Lemon was arrested, Uh the entire media landscape shifted to cover Don Lemon as if he were the, you know national emergency. And. So with a media narcissism trumps all that. That may explain why we're not hearing more about the very important developments in Iran. Our mutual friend Bill Bennett used to say Americans have trouble with proportionality. We've got at least thirty five thousand dead people in Iran today. I saw from one of Iranian diaspora news organizations. This morning sixty eight thousand people were murdered by regime. I don't think they, that number gets through to people It's just too hard to imagine shooting that many people called what Well you know, this is the Stalinist nature of the Iranian mullahs. What did Stalin say kill one person is tragedy. To kill a million people is a statistic, And the tens of thousands of people who have been killed by the regime after the protests, uh starting last November, Plus a tens of thousands more who are in jail by the regime and probably being tortured. It's just too big to comprehend, And especially when the media has other stories, it can chase much closer to home. But I mean if you're just tracking developments as I know, you have been all week, I mean we are putting in place forces necessary to strike Iran. And you know President Trump he always leaves negotiations open uh, but he usually acts on his threats. He did so in Iran last July, and he did, again uh in Venezuela just at the beginning of this year. So I'd be watching very carefully. What's going to happen in the next 48 hours.
Speaker 2 00:21:12
We're talking about your guests, uh but I want to read to the audience, Open Source Intel which is an X account that I follow fairly closely, usually reliable. Senior US military officials have informed the leadership of a key US ally in the Middle East that President Trump could authorize a strike on Iran this weekend. Strikes could commence as early as Sunday. I think that's actually credible, but I also see that a lot of our big airplanes moving things like THAAD systems and Patriot systems are still moving into the region. So God protect us. Absolutely yeah and then I think that's why Trump has waited to this point. He'll keep waiting until that air defense is in place. I'm going to be right back with Matt during the hill break don't go anywhere America on C - SPAN2. I am back with Matt on any matters. I imagine what might happen over the weekend or next week. I know that there are forty thousand american troops on ships and on bases there. It's not without grave risk to our people. Uh and i don't think that's fully baked into the equation yet. How do you assess the up and downside of striking iran? Well, i think downside is clear. You could deal a lethal blow to the missile program. You could hit the nuclear remnants, such as they are, after Operation Midnight Hammer once more. You would degrade these security apparatus, the IRGC and the Basij militias that the regime uses to enforce its will. And, you know, more broadly, we set the conditions for eventual regime collapse when the Iranian people can exploit weaknesses of the regime, which are many and finally, end Ayatollah's rule. Downsides are of course retaliation, attack on US forces in the region, attack on state of Israel. So, you have to be very careful, and you have to be prepared for whatever comes next. You also have to be aware that President Trump has laid down a very fine line here. He has said repeatedly that Iran needs to stop killing its people. He has said that Iran needs new leadership just the other day on a red carpet for Melania movie. He said he's demanding that Iran.
Speaker 2 00:22:10
Ends its nuclear program entirely, verifiably. And he's demanding that they end the killing of the protesters. He may have left out a third demand. I think that we're making to the Iranians, which is they have to curtail their missile program. These ballistic missiles threaten Europe, they threaten our posts in the Middle East, one day they could threaten the United States. They shouldn't be allowed. So he's laid down these lines here.
Speaker 1 00:24:20
Yeah, this One's Good.
Speaker 1 00:25:14
I'm not sure if I can do it.
Speaker 1 00:25:44
I'm not sure.
Speaker 1 00:26:25
I'm not sure if I can get it back.
Speaker 1 00:28:38
Thank you.
Speaker 6 00:29:15
I don't have a wrench. But I do have the other thing.
Speaker 1 00:29:28
And then,
Speaker 5 00:29:28
Uh, when you're ready. So I connected. Yeah. Everything?
Speaker 1 00:31:22
I'm not sure if I can do it.
Speaker 5 00:32:29
Looks good.
Speaker 5 00:32:33
I don't like the color, but it looks. Yeah, maybe in the pool, it looks nice. Yeah, maybe. But. 
Speaker 6 00:32:52
I'm not a design person. I install. So. 
Speaker 5 00:32:58
Okay when when. 
Speaker 6 00:33:25
Okay. Thank you, sir.
Speaker 1 00:35:52
Thank you.
Speaker 2 00:37:06
His schedule, And sometimes that takes not just the enemy but also the media in the United States by surprise. But once he lays down these lines, I think he knows that he has to act or else he'd erode our deterrence rather than the Iranian regime. If you're on the receiving end of the messages that have been sent, are you confused about him? Are you confused?
Speaker 1 00:38:32
Okay.
Speaker 2 00:39:08
If you look back at American history, It took us what seemed like to be forever to get ready to invade Iraq in nineteen ninety one. A long time to get ready in two thousand and three, And it took I think at least a month to get ready for Afghanistan in two thousand and one. How do you think they perceive the timing here? Well, I think that there's an unpredictability factor to Trump, the madman theory with Trump right? He likes saying things that are contradictory because it keeps everyone on their toes. And so if you are the Iranian regime, you're wondering what he might do next. But with Trump since the beginning, you have always said look at what he does not what he says. And so this is just look what he's doing here. He's putting assets into place. Uh, he is moving these air defense systems. We have this flotilla that's forming. Uh in the Persian Gulf in the region of other assets in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. That's exactly what he did with Venezuela right? And then just like when we thought it wasn't going to happen, Maduro was gone. Be be ready to get up on Saturday morning and see something happening. Stay tuned, America. I'll be right back with Matt Gentry. Welcome back, America. I'm here with Matt Gentry of the AI and Wall Street Journal columnist. Matt, I have tried to talk to every uh Iran expert I can. The one I found fascinating this week was General. Patton was Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery retired United States Navy He's actually running a carrier strike group He speculates that he's got land - based Tomahawk missiles Ohio bombers there, as well as all the destroyers with their missiles as well as the link up with the aircraft. We can hit a lot of targets. And then if the B - 2s come, they can switch out their their big payloads, their bunker busters for lots of little payloads And. If Israel comes in, we can we together hit hundreds and hundreds of targets at the start Do. You think that is how it will go down? Or do you think it will be a big demonstration and a chance for then Iran to throw their hands in saying no?
Speaker 2 00:40:03
You know, I'm not sure there's something that Trump likes that's about spectacular, you know, But not necessarily spectacular in the shock and awe fashion of the bombardment of Baghdad back in two thousand three, which did use quite a few munitions to light up the government centers Saddam Hussein's regimes. Trump likes the shock of a surprise, the audacity, right? Just, we wake up one morning, and all of a sudden the mission to destroy the Fordow nuclear complex in Iran has already been completed. We wake up six months later uh to find that uh the dictator in Venezuela has been spirited out of the country and then new government. His deputies are now pledging to work with us.
Speaker 1 00:40:25
Corey sent a long message.
Speaker 2 00:40:28
So I would think of something that is pretty spectacular, but maybe not, you know, the full shock and awe, Hundreds of targets, uh type thing that we've seen in the past. I don't know what that would be. It could be something actually slightly smaller too. Maybe we seize one of these Iranian vessels, Part of the ghost fleet in a way similar to our approach in Venezuela, where we said this oil is sanctioned, Uh we're not going to let it pass. And so we use our assets in the region to take over one of these ships to show that the Iranians that we mean business. I don't know why he might mention that, but he mentioned seizing a lot of them so that their economic crunch becomes real. I mean, it already is real for the Iranian people, and that's why we had these protests to begin with. You know you have to feel for the Iranian people, especially in a place like Tehran, they have no electricity, they have very little food, they have no resources. I just thought this was going to happen around uh towards the end of last year when I read a small snippet in paper where the Iranian president Rouhani was raising the possibility of moving Tehran population out of city to deal with droughts and stuff like this. And I said, if you're going do.
Speaker 2 00:41:00
You have big problems. And sure enough, they do. So really what America needs to do is enforce its red line in order to maintain our deterrence, but then also to continue the pressure that will eventually lead, I think this regime to collapse. Two questions about two effects Matt. The argument has been made by a bunch of people that if we strike, That a strike will see the Iranian people on the street rally around the regime. And. The second argument is that if Trump doesn't strike, he's done the Obama Syria back off and it devastates consequences to his credibility. What do you make about those arguments? Yeah, Two questions Well I mean the first argument I think is just wrong, because it was said in the run up to Operation Inherent Resolve. This idea that America were intervene, Iranian people will rally behind this terrorist government. You will see as a government try to convey that image. Which is what we did see in the days and weeks right after Operation Inherent Resolve. But the longer term effect was to weaken the regime. That's why these protests were happening. People feel that they have no resources, no return, and here the government is continuing to pour resources into this military apparatus, this potential nuclear apparatus. So I think it's right it would weaken the regime and the people know, the Iranian people know that this regime lacks legitimacy. On the red line argument there is some truth to it. If an American president states repeatedly that " the government of Iran needs to stop killing its people or else there will be dire repercussions ". When he says ", we need new leadership ", when he says "that help is on the way for Iranian people", To not act means that our adversaries will say, oh, well, look, he's not backing up his words with action. So I think that has been an argument we need to take seriously We know that when Obama failed to enforce his red line in Syria in 2014 Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea.
Speaker 2 00:41:56
Isis began its rampage through the Middle East. Xi Jinping started treating Obama like a wayward student, leaving him on the tarmac in Beijing. And American deterrence spiraled further. I'm sorry, spiraled under Obama, it spiraled further after he failed to enforce his red line. So when you draw a red line, You need to enforce it or else our enemies take notice and the world becomes a more dangerous place. If you're looking for a place to shoot shop and train right here on Cape Cod, come visit us at Cape Cod Arms in Hyannis. We got a full indoor range weekly L T C classes. 
Speaker 1 00:42:43
The wind is blowing.
Speaker 1 00:45:19
Okay.
Speaker 1 00:46:35
The sound of wind and footsteps. 
Speaker 2 00:47:39
Selection Of firearms, ammo, and gear. Whether you're brand new or experienced, our knowledgeable passionate team is here to help you every step of the way. Stop by Tate Gunworks.
Speaker 4 00:47:47
From Corey: Yeah. Unfortunately, The texts usually come from the client the night of or the day after, while it is filling up. lol. 
Speaker 2 00:47:57
KeepCummings dot com. Last question, Secretary Rubio was in front of the Senate at length two days ago. And on Cuba he was very direct. We'd love to see regime change there. And of course, I respect that from the son of Cuban ex-pats. Uh and I think a lot of people in the Trump world like it, too, because it's Western Hemisphere. What is the bell tolling for that regime as well? Oh, I think so. First, what an incredible performance by Secretary of State Rubio. I mean, he is just a tremendous communicator, taking uh incoming fire from all the Democratic senators, and uh throwing it right back at them. It was just an amazing performance and night for him On Cuba, I mean, Cuba is in even worse shape than Iran um because it doesn't have any uh oil to sell legally to China. Uh The Cuban people again face blackouts, uh, very little food.
Speaker 6 00:48:26
Just thinking now period, they have the hose in the pool comma, but would it be better to put it in the spa question?
Speaker 2 00:48:34
Mark resources, the government hasum just rules with a terror, not no legitimacy. I think what the our government is looking for here is again, something similar to what happens in venezuela, where now that, that venezuelan lifeline has been cut off you. The cuban regime has very little uh room for maneuver. And so if it were to make a deal with the united states where its leadership stepped down in order to provide some sort of transition, i think that's probably an outcome that would be desirable. It'd be the end. Castro was in Cuba. What an incredible advance of human freedom, but it might take time, just as in Venezuela, For us to get to a point in Cuba, where we have open elections and a democratically elected government. I've been quoting that kind of theory of regime coercion, not regime change for all week. I'll continue to do so. Follow Matt at Continental View and the Wall Street Journal. Look for whatever work he is supervising or bringing out at the American Enterprise Institute and stay tuned on this morning, warren evening race America. That was the president's Oval Office earlier today. I am here joined by Ben Domenech host with the Big Ben podcast on the Fox Podcast Network also Fox News contributor The Big Ben podcast this week is fabulous with Bill Malugian, and we also have Winston Marshall, and we're going to talk a little sports here We're going to get to Iran. But I got to start with Do, you follow 3 - year Lerman?
Speaker 2 00:49:21
I am not a huge fan of three eleven. He's doing the Lord's work on actually everything. Do, you know that he had a million and a half views on his post about Tiger this week? Every time I think, okay, the joke's over. There are still millions of people who can be conned. Yes, absolutely. But, if it's twenty and you know what I I can I commend to see to everyone to do that. Politics, you'll you'll get the information that you need didn't know you needed to have. It depends on what also gets a lot of people like Don, Lemon, mercilessly and lawyers. All right, But now brought that up because you talked about sports and I want to share with you a point of view. I grew up on Pete Franklin, right? He was a W E New uh, sports talk guy. At night, uh at eight, probably midnight, it might have been nine in the midnight, but he was on the air hours or hours of the night. He was fabulous, especially when he went to New York, all he did was sports. And when he did politics made me laugh, taught me sports, and then he brought up Keith Olbermann today. Oh, my god, few rounds with him. And it's not really fair because I actually think Keith is dumb, just dumb. Yeah, What do you think? Well, i think i think keith has that classic sort of experience. 
Speaker 2 00:49:56
Of someone who is book smart, like some, I think he actually is very. He's very well read. He's had a lot of.
Speaker 6 00:50:04
I am actually thinking of running for.
Speaker 1 00:51:04
How long,
Speaker 6 00:51:04
Do we is it? Is it uh okay that we wait for the for the water for the spa?
Speaker 5 00:51:10
Yeah, we waited for tomorrow. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Tomorrow yes. When. 
Speaker 6 00:51:25
It gets to the tile? Yeah, okay because I can probably steal another hose from them over there. 
Speaker 5 00:51:32
Uh, we filled it up yesterday because uh, fuel first the water come to the middle to the jet in the wall. Uh- huh. The spa. So we need to fill it up from the pool and tomorrow the spa. Okay.
Speaker 6 00:51:48
So it'll be it'll it'll be fine?
Speaker 5 00:51:50
Yeah, no problem. Okay. Yeah because uh. The water will come to that jet like. Uh- huh. 
Speaker 6 00:52:03
You don't want it to come in.
Speaker 1 00:52:42
For this vlog.
Speaker 1 00:54:43
Um.
Speaker 5 00:56:52
The spa. Do you see that jet? Mhm. Like the water comes to the to the to the pool, you see that?
Speaker 6 00:56:59
Right, right. So so he's saying, oh, maybe we can shut it but I, but it'll fill overnight too right. And then you have a problem.
Speaker 5 00:57:07
Yeah yeah It's mud. No it's better leave tomorrow. Okay Yeah, every time we leave tomorrow one day mhm or water for the spa. You need to put it up with a yeah Okay. Because sometimes we feel it as the spy, the water is coming to the jet. It marks the line, right? Yeah, it's not coming anymore.
Speaker 1 00:58:07
I'm not sure if I can do it.
Speaker 5 01:00:14
Is it this one okay? Or you have another one. What? Huh? I have the big ones. Oh yeah? Yeah.
Speaker 6 01:00:20
I don't need uh for the pool. Yeah. Yeah, but just for this, just for the spa.
Speaker 5 01:00:26
Okay Long or short No no corta. 
Speaker 6 01:00:31
Long, if you have one'Cause I gotta go Is is there another Where's the other spigot. 
Speaker 5 01:00:38
Uh d ó ndeest á la S í s í, I know that they they're coupling. 
Speaker 1 01:00:43
Okay.
Speaker 1 01:01:25
I'm not sure what the problem is.
Speaker 6 01:02:35
Um yeah, just put it right next to it, because we have to put we have to put that uh the same thing. Up. I break the tenth commandment as thou shalt not covet. Oh, no, your gym set. I said I always uh hate seeing your gym set.
Speaker 7 01:03:29
And when my neighbor came over and was talking to Madison, and my wife was sitting.
Speaker 7 01:03:36
And he walks in like, man, this is nice. This isn't Target. Like, you're not coming to my garage and shopping for my stuff, dude. Freaking. That's Corey. I don't know if you've ever met him.
Speaker 6 01:03:53
Yeah, yeah, the ex- cop or whatever?
Speaker 7 01:03:55
Yeah, he's cool. Yeah. He's been doing private security for uh Bill Gates lately. That's his new uh. What? Yeah no it's good. 
Speaker 5 01:04:10
Oh yeah. The white guy.
Speaker 6 01:04:19
Yeah. Alright, I just didn't want to get it wrong so.
Speaker 6 01:04:44
I better. Said I better. So.
Speaker 1 01:04:57
Right. Yeah, um. No. Yeah. 
Speaker 1 01:05:35
Yeah. Right. Right.
Speaker 6 01:05:54
Oh, they're all closed.
Speaker 6 01:06:14
Except For that one. Oh, the uh the Jandyum two way is open.
Speaker 1 01:06:50
How about that guy?
Speaker 6 01:06:57
No. What do you what are you seeing capped? Oh yeah, you got a better angle than I do.
Speaker 5 01:07:49
Oh, This guy.
Speaker 6 01:07:55
Right. Oh, just like that it's okay. I got you.
Speaker 1 01:08:14
Yeah. Uh- Huh. 
Speaker 6 01:08:21
One one second. Sorry.
Speaker 1 01:08:32
Okay. Yeah.
Speaker 6 01:08:49
I I was gonna, I was gonna stop by tomorrow. Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 6 01:09:10
Right. Well, yeah, his biggest thing was just that it would start coming out of theum, that it would start coming out of the the pipes right since, Connected. So uh, he just didn't want lines coming up, 'cause if it goes from the from the spa to the pool, right? 'Cause they're all connected. But since we cut it all off, it shouldn't have that ability. So as long as we don't spill over the top.
Speaker 5 01:09:56
All right. Thank you. Yeah, so thank you. Yeah, yeah, we will. Yeah, okay. There hold hold on one second.
Speaker 5 01:10:30
Yeah, go ahead. Hey, thank you. How's the project? Thank you. Yeah, gracias. Gracias. Alright, thank you. Okay.
Speaker 6 01:10:39
I thought you really wanted me to say it. No, I was about to get a dog. I don't bite. Dog here. Here so it's it's got oh, let me flip it back around. Um so I mean, he's got it on a low low flow. But yeah, I mean obviously if you can get Tim to over there. You see it? Um, Yeah.
Speaker 6 01:11:28
I mean, they've got it on a low flow right now, But I mean, obviously, we've got two inches already in the in the few minutes that you and I talked. So. And then we could go. Yeah.
Speaker 1 01:11:41
I don't like to tell them though. Yeah, I mean, Butum you you don't nobody's ever asked my opinion on that That's not true My. Dad always asks my opinion on things But I think, and they do the opposite.
Speaker 6 01:12:14
No, But you and you. Let's put it this way. The last time he asked me why I've been doing that, I said," Ducks hunting." You always choose. If I whatever I choose, you choose ducks. Ducks hunting is fun to do with people. Okay? You know? Or I don't feel. I've never. That thought had never come to my mind when you asked me about that.
Speaker 1 01:12:42
Yeah, yeah, I mean there's there's things that I you know, I definitely take where I go. Yeah it looks good, but as I look at it, I want to change some, you know, I wish we would have done some stuff differently and whatnot but you know. 
Speaker 6 01:13:01
But I think that, you know, what's going to be like on this one, I just kind of want to do it for the most part. The system the way we're installing it just kind of lent itself to do that. And so I was like, all right, sounds good to me. Um So yeah.
Speaker 6 01:13:48
Yeah, yeah. I'll hit them first thing in the morning. And uh, yeah. I'll go straight out there. I'll test the water for hardness and whatnot. Yeah.
Speaker 1 01:14:05
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 01:14:33
Uh huh. Okay. Uh huh. Right.
Speaker 1 01:15:37
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 01:16:07
Right. No,
Speaker 6 01:16:20
It's helpful information because I would have gone and brushed it so, you know.
Speaker 1 01:17:24
Right. Right.
Speaker 1 01:18:02
Yeah.
Speaker 1 01:18:38
Right. Wow. That's a man, yeah.
Speaker 6 01:19:28
What are you trying to figure What are you trying to accomplish.
Speaker 1 01:19:36
Uhhuh. Hmm.
Speaker 1 01:20:18
Right.
Speaker 6 01:21:07
New change order test added on sixth street.
Speaker 6 01:21:27
No. This tells me when I am important, it doesn't tell me when I am not.
Speaker 1 01:21:57
Right. Right.
Speaker 6 01:22:27
Yeah, I don't mind calling in. I've talked to him a few times. Yeah.
Speaker 1 01:23:17
You.
Speaker 1 01:24:13
Alright, man.
Speaker 2 01:24:52
It's like the reverse Dennis Miller, you know. My real objection is he was a good anchor, and she writes, you know, great writing on "The Big Show" and everything like that. And I think it was a real loss. I mean, Michael Wilbon probably for you was pretty friendly with sports writers before she became. Oh yeah. But one of the things that really. You know, I think it's sad for a lot of these guys. And, that's why Rock Colbert did it as well when I was talking about this is that if you are like kind of a late nineties teenager like I am, and you saw these guys in the nineties and early two thousands, You have a different image of them because you realize what they were good at. You saw them when they were good at something, and then they became something else. And I do want to just kind of say there is something that's lost when that happens. There is something that's lost when you have a good sports writer who just turns totally political or just sort of anchors who decides my opinions about politics matter more than anything else. I think about Yankees. And that's, I just think something that is sad on a certain level. And, it's one of the things that bothers me about everything we see going on in the media. It's also by the way why Barstool has been a huge success. And what's your report? I don't mind what your report is. Let me ask you about, now I gotta walk a very careful line here, it is my policy never drag someone for doing their work. So I'm not dragging The Washington Post, I didn't have anything to do with this sports coverage. But I talked to John Ellison two times today who informed me that they're losing $ 75 million dollars a year, and they're gonna lay off a whole bunch of people, and that Jeff Bezos may actually sell it if there are buyers, but he sort of sick of it because he made bad purchase, not his money but it's not his passion, you don't know what to do with it, it's not something you can sell. But when I heard they were killing the sports. I want to compare with Cleveland dot com because didn't play any other like robot.
Speaker 2 01:25:44
They're thriving because of Dave Campbell. He is their sports editor, and he realized that sports fans are the lifeblood of circulation. I pay for so much stuff. I don't have to pay for Cleveland, the Cavaliers podcast, the Browns talk, the Ohio State Buckeye talk. I get the newsletters; it's sport. How can their hosts be walking away from sports? Congrats to you, by the way, too, because you have you have kind of perfect scenario of frustrating teams and great coverage. Yeah, That's what I asked for most of my life, but something I asked for a good chunk of my life. The funny thing is almost as soon as our franchises got good, The paper went woke, so know if if the Cavs are sweeping Stanley Cup. And they're like, well, this is a connection problematic, no hockey guys when you made your references to Ovechkin. You then felt that he's a Russian. I don't know anything about hockey, but hockey is never going to be the difference here. You have one of the greatest lines in the modern history of sports. When you asked him about his injury early after coming into into the league, and he was funded. The Russian machine never breaks. You feel like a bad guy from a Stallone film, exactly. So no, Really is, but this is the thing:. If you had these quality people who were trying to find problems at the same time, they were just devoted to these woke causes over and over again, and really did the featuring of these voices that were more about kind of passionate thing over how awful it was as a stain on the nation that we had these Washington Redskins here. Um and to me, I am not being entirely serious about it.
Speaker 6 01:26:31
I think that's worse like what you doing question, mark.
Speaker 1 01:26:49
To die. 
Speaker 2 01:26:50
When sold the team because they basically, you know, made buck off of just going after him for the pleasure of their, but it's a great sports. The basic I don't like the national that American League guy that Guardians got yeah, but I read Tom, Boswell and and I like the Redskins. As a matter of fact, I don't dislike them. They're National and on Browns fan, but they've got great franchise captured, you know forever. They're like the castle never were anything, but I guess guys want to twenty sixteen. You've got a great base of people, and you can sell new over. Well, here is here is another element issue that you probably know or just can find towards there. They are be broadest and most diverse in terms of any of the unifying elements in D C, right? Do you have do many white fans together with completely opposite political views? And they are, you know, joy that they have the cheering for their team. So, it's actually this great. It's one of the few unifying things in this area. We find a way in this area where there are people, not everybody, understands the story, not everybody just comes in and out. And, that's why you know, my mom gets uh, gets a season package every year that my kids buy for her to go to the national games. She loves baseball, she she tours the game, and she just talks with two old black guys in their seventies, and they, and they just, you know, go back and forth about which relievers they like and which people hate.
Speaker 2 01:27:30
The kind of thing is great for a community. Well, would you rate the Beltway as a sports town? I told people Cleveland may be the best sports town in America. Compared to L A. it's certainly a thousand times better. And Orange County with the Angels in San Diego, California just does not love them the way that Cleveland does when they're doing alternative. How do you put the Beltway sports community? D C.'s second tier. The reason they were second tier is because actually a basketball town and the basketball team sucks has always said, has always sucked. I mean, I talked to him, I thought Jordan on his Dennis tour here, I saw him in Yao Ming's first game here about, i went to that one. And it's one of these things where just this is an area that really is more basketball focused after the Redskins. And just don't happen, unfortunately, still like it again. They're just they're still there, but we'll take a break. We'll do a run in the second segment. Tell tell me, audience who George Michael was because when I knew there in eighty three, i was hooked immediately, he was he was he's a forerunner of ESPN actually. He really was, And he had this amazing clip show with all sorts of funny, jabs and commentary and things like that. He was just an outsized personality. They did a show on SNL, you can look it up, with George Will's sports machine. You know what I mean? What if you have good clips from SNL with Dana Carvey, I believe? But it's one of these things.
Speaker 1 01:28:18
Jesse said," Just chipping away at some work."
Speaker 2 01:28:24
This is the format that could work. You do these package shows from all around the country and show kind of the best and the losers? And everything like that. And it was must see TV for me as a kid, and it's still something I think about. Did you watch the Reser Channel before Bob Dylan and Jim? Yes, I mean, it was just the greatest television local station. I think I've ever watched for something. It was incredible. And then you know we were both kind of old guys, right? You're not an old guy, you're not but I was talking to my dad watching this as a kid. But look, I think this is a situation where we've lost so much in terms of local coverage. We've lost local coverage at high quality. We see so much of it as a train to not be replaced, and that's actually the news that people care the most about. It's very silly to me that none of this has been removed from DC exactly. Why does that happen? A guy from New York had you know digs into it finds out. There's not enough they promised a bunch of different. No plows, and they had far fewer that were actually out on the roads than they would have otherwise said. So my point is just like that local coverage is what we need back. We need to bring that back I'm gonna. Talk about it during the break, but you folks out there, no matter how bad you think your local services are. They are not DC in the snow park. It is a nightmare still how goes. 
Speaker 8 01:29:06
It I'm good. Well, been better, but good. Let's just say that how'd you go,
Speaker 6 01:29:14
How'd you guys do.
Speaker 8 01:29:16
So we we won made the round of sixteen and then had it stripped away from us. Oh. So that's about how well we did. So, we won one, tied two. We actually had a game winner that went over the line that the refs called off, saying keeper saved it. Um, you know, the usual stuff. Parents have video still pictures. ;. It's a goal and refs called it off. And That would have given us seven points, and we would have been first in bracket right in our group. Yeah, so uh that cost us a draw.
Speaker 8 01:29:51
And then, so we still had five points. And then apparently they mis-scored somebody else's game. So somebody else had two wins and a loss, so they got six. So they took our wild card. So they already put us on the schedule, like posted it, and we're all excited. And then they sent an email saying, "Oops! Yeah, we had a scoring error. " So that one goal that one decision took us from being first in group to second. And not having enough points to go through on a wild card. And the parents are beside themselves, and I am like, "It's club soccer." I mean, we all know the refs are trash. We were the best team. So here is the thing : like they're never going to want to hear this from me, But we were up four to two in game two, and we conceded two goals at the end—like missed two runs in the box, had one.
Speaker 8 01:30:46
One defender on three players making runs, so unmarked runs, and we conceded two. Yeah, late in the game. Like so, we had a four two lead that we should have protected. The boys had a mental breakdown, let them back in. Walked away with a four four draw that left the last game a must win. We went up one zero All. We had to do is stop them from scoring. They did water breaks because it was late, And it was literally right after they came back on the field from water break. And they just didn't quite check in, and they played one one direct through ball and scored a goal. And like and then we had what felt like a million shots from that point forward. Clearly the best team, and just couldn't find the back of the net some over the bar, some wide you know that that whole thing right? That's the worst. And then then game winner goes over to line.
Speaker 8 01:31:42
Keeper pulls it off the line, is what the AR are saying. And there you go, right? So but it's just been like nonstop parents, Like I want to write an email and how come they can, how come they can tell us we're in and then turn around and tell us we're not yet they can't overturn a call. I go look a miscalculation on results from a match is different than a referee changing a call. Right. And they just want to hear it, right? It's shit. I mean, it sucks, but. Right. Right. I mean, I am not happy either, but. Like, they're not going to go and and we can't send submit the footage and prove like nothing's going to come of it. No. Right? You just have to move on. Right right. 
Speaker 6 01:32:32
Now and that's you know. I used to say in all of my years of soccer, I've never had a ref overturn his call. Yeah, and then I saw it happen like six months ago.
Speaker 8 01:32:46
So I still have it. Like, and you you share that tale with me. So I was telling him like Look, we have it. You want to see it?" And he's on no my AR said." I'm like," Well, yeah,
Speaker 6 01:32:59
Your AR is wrong." At least he was watching. You know what I mean?
Speaker 8 01:33:03
Yeah, oh yeah. I mean yellow cards for me from That's just absurd to me. Well, I never lose it like that. That's what I told Ian. I go, "Look, you always have to have takeaways, right? Like what could I have done different?" Um, I gave like on the on the top team i gave them the assignments. I told them like track runners we've been working on. So my takeaway here is we need to work on making sure you don't lose your mark, Which is something we tell them and show them, and but i need to drill it to at nauseam because that cost us yeah.
Speaker 8 01:33:39
Right, it happens. You learn from it, but you know now the parents are like, "Oh, Can we have a because we cancel practice today because of fatigue and that stuff?" So I am like well Can we have a coach? Can we have a team meeting so that you can tell them? " Like, so they're just scared to tell their kids like The soccer gods giveth ; the soccer gods taketh away. " Because, they're already like you know, We already in, we were on the bracket, right listed."
Speaker 8 01:34:09
Round of sixteen, everyone sees it, right? It's like, "Yay!" Oh, just kidding. That sucks. That really sucks. But it won't be their last, you know. Could have gone the other way. Yeah, could have gone. You know. Like I've had some calls go my way that weren't. You know. It is what it is. We should have we should not have given away the tying. Two goals, mind you, four to two lead. And can see too late within like two minutes of each other.
Speaker 6 01:34:47
Yeah. Yeah, No I, but I mean it happens, you know, and uh, yeah. I mean, it's all unfortunate. Yeah, what do you? What do you? What are you learning from it? How do you take away? How do you get better all that stuff? You know? So. What uh, what did Ian tell you?
Speaker 8 01:35:15
Um, he told meum, The boys were strugglingum a little and you know, and that he made a couple of adjustments. Andum Jackson was was kind of lost and struggling, so he pulled him, and you know, they rallied back. And uh, you know. He felt good about it. He felt like, you know, He was able to get the boys fired up in the right way. Andum he's on cloud nine right now, right? Cause he's feeling like you know, he's settling in and they're listening and you know theum that was it. He didn't say a whole lot more.
Speaker 6 01:35:55
Oh, he pulled it together. I I walked up to him after the game. I told him, I was proud of him because good, it was a freaking nightmare the first half, but yeah.
Speaker 8 01:36:05
So admittedly, so and then he said," You know what? I didn't know how to coach around the high prep." Like, Here is the things he was telling me like So. What would you have done in this moment?" Right? Because you got to keep in mind he's been eleven v eleven headers punts. Yeah yeah but he's having to change his thinking and saying," How do I problem solve?" He said they're pressing with like four. 
Speaker 6 01:36:28
But five. But just so you know let's get something straight.
Speaker 6 01:36:34
The nightmare was caused because the parents started yelling, not because of him. He was joysticking; that's on him.
Speaker 8 01:36:43
He panicked;. He let himself get a little bit too uh too far into the forest, if you know what I mean?
Speaker 5 01:36:49
Yeah, right? Yep.
Speaker 6 01:36:51
But it was like literally at halftime.; I told Bob to tell his wife to shut up. And I am like," You guys, the team is collapsing on shape and everybody's yelling at the kids." And they need to freaking calm down. Like, tell your wife to shut up. And then I like I lost my cool at one point. She goes, she goes, oh my god, you know how could you? And I am like and I just i snapped for a second. I am like quiet and the whole line just shut up for a second and then and then uh.
Speaker 6 01:37:30
You know, and then Ian pipes up. He's like," Yeah, you guys are not helping." And Jonathan jumps in. It's like," If you are not going to say anything positive, keep quiet." You know.
Speaker 5 01:37:38
Yeah yeah yeah yeah.
Speaker 6 01:37:39
And then I mean but he changed the whole lineup at halftime. And I happened to be I was talking to Jonathan, and I heard the changes he was making, and I was like, oh, this should be interesting. He's he's not talking like it wasn't a uh. Uh, let me see. Uh, uh, uh. It was it was like you are on the nine, you are on the six, you are on the. You know. And it was just like boom boom. I know what I am doing here. We're changing this love it. And uh and and then the next thing you know, he's like pulling back, he's like this. You know, he's starting to, yeah, you know. And uh, he was starting matty dribbled at one time, and i heard him say, don't matty don't dribble, but matty didn't hear him.
Speaker 6 01:38:25
And he went to go follow up, and I am like, "I can't afford to say anything." And then but but he never. I told him afterwards, "My dude, don't just just say no with Maddie. If you tell him don't dribble, he'll never dribble again." And he goes, "Really?" And I am like, "He will listen to what you say," you know. And he's like, "Oh, I wouldn't want that." Like so just fair warning. But you know good job. You You know you collected yourself. You made some adjustments. You know I mean, I think the fact that they came back and the way that they did, you know, they lost shape; it was everything. It was just, you know, and then he started organizing. He came back; man i I was impressed.
Speaker 8 01:39:04
That's awesome. So I told him i go. Look, my something I haven't shared with you that I will." And, this is part of why we're going to have this last meeting for them to say, look, I am gifting you cards." And he's like, "Huh?" I go, "Yes, you are going to get a yellow and a red card. My gift in front of all the parents. " And my advice to you is this is something I've implemented and I would like for you to continue that moving forward. Because if you lose the sidelines, right? So Bob sent me a text saying, "Oh, he was just as invested as us," and I went huh huh right? Like he was You know that just was like. 
Speaker 8 01:39:48
A red flag for me. Now, it wasn't an exciting thing like "oh wow, he did great." Not that he coached great; he was just as invested as we were. Something like that, right? Just his wording led me to think like "oh, you lost your sideline." So I am just gonna. Like what you are saying was just uh. Like reiterated what I already knew. Right? And I told him, "look this is this is what you need to do. " Just, you know, this is a weird thing of mine, but Cardo, if you don't set the standards like. Parents on the bench, like I saw that, I am like," What in the world is as I am sitting there?" They're coming and talking to him, and I am like," No, no, no. We're not doing this right." Like he needs to control that because then the wheels fall off.
Speaker 6 01:40:34
Right? And not only that but like none of the parents know what they're doing. It's like, you know, stop dribbling stop. You know, oh, I will say this, though he, uh, um this is not a hit. But, they kept on playing the ball back to the center because that's what how you've taught them, right? Like play to the open man. It wasn't always a great pass to the center, right? But he was like," No, not to the center! Not to the center!" I am like," Oh bro, that's old." I didn't say anything but it's like that's old style thinking. You know?
Speaker 8 01:41:02
Yeah yeah I'll help him with that. He just doesn't like he's just panicking on the, you know, but overall I think he's gonna be fine. Like I Really. 
Speaker 6 01:41:13
If you know, if he can, and I told him this actually. I said, "Listen man, um, I couldn't do this like I am. You know, I get too sucked in. " And, one of the and the greatest coaches I've ever seen. You know, are the guys that, that can that aren't worried about the play that's happening right now ;. They're worried about the bigger picture. And, if you can get your kids like if you don't join, if you can get them to understand why they're doing what they're doing. Right, instead of telling them what they should have done, right? Then they'll start making good decisions without you having to coach them. You know, And so you know, the best coaches I've ever seen are the ones that don't worry about the play. That's happening right now. They don't mind pulling a kid off and going, "Hey, here is what's going on. Do you see it?" Right? And sending him back in. He's like, "Oh okay," you know. But I think if he can do that and keep the strategy, you know like I was really impressed he pulled it out.
Speaker 6 01:42:13
You know, it takes a lot for me to yell at people. Yeah,
Speaker 1 01:42:18
For sure.
Speaker 8 01:42:19
So I am glad I am glad I always want to know, right? How did it go? How did he do? I hated having to cut out like that, but you know the result.
Speaker 6 01:42:29
I would have done it if I were you given given that scenario. That's what I would have done. You know, I had to no, i i am telling you with me. Don't worry about it. I you made the logical decision.
Speaker 8 01:42:42
So, um, yeah, And I and I would have stayed even a little longer because but I am like look, he's got this. i I actually let him do most of it. We talked lineup and listen, the thing that that most don't even understand is he's sending me his notes, his previous game notes. Like, hey, this is what I saw. This is my pregame talk. This is the points I'd like to make. What do you think? And so, I loved it all. I go yes. This is the only thing I would have added. So it was like spot on. I go, great, you are seeing it the right way, right? So now it'sum you know just helping that a little. And it's not because he he lacks game knowledge. It's like how do you deal with ten year olds?
Speaker 6 01:43:27
Yeah, no i I ultimately all I saw was that he was green. You know, I mean you know you just, You have to go in and just get punched in the face a couple times and realize, like, oh, you know, no, this okay now I am used to this. Now I this is the energy level. This is, you know, um you know, so i I think for his we'll just call it first game. You know, yeah, i thought he did a great job. 
Speaker 8 01:43:60
That's awesome. And uh, so i am excited. You know, i think it's gonna work. I was like I said, my frustration now is on the other side and dealing with parents. Both sides, both teams, right? There's a lot of parent emotions going on right now, and that's just part of it. You know, that's what we signed up for. We know it. You've. 
Speaker 6 01:44:23
Got a lot of parents that this is like their oldest kid. And this, you know, and they just don't understand how it how it is.
Speaker 8 01:44:31
So we will uh. We are going to help, so our big objective. We had a talk with them last night, not even about the game itself, but just big picture stuff. And said, "Okay, look. We will have a preemptive team meeting, and here is the way this has to be presented." Right? This is going to be. and I love the way Amy worded it: "briefish." Right? It's going to be: "Look. Look great season great everything okay if you are interested in being considered."
Speaker 8 01:45:03
For the team moving forward, I need to know these are what my practice times and dates are expected to be. That's what people want to know right now, right? You can't start talking next year. All this like you need to figure out who is interested in being considered. I said you have to choose your words because I am telling you right now. There are players that I would not like to invite back just because it's cancer to the team and the future. So. Desperate in this because there is plenty of more players showing up now. I had while we were at the state cup, I had three conversations with random parents calling interested in joining one of our teams. One of them came and watched both of our games. Nice, right? Which just happens to be one of Nixon's friends coming from Rangers. So we're not talking you know transitional rec kids, right? These are players playing elsewhere that. 
Speaker 8 01:46:02
Aren't happy in their environment and looking. So now it's a matter of you lose one, you gain two. It's okay, you know, you will be okay. Now if there isn't something viable for everyone to move forward, then we need to figure that out quickly as well. Yeah, that's that's kind of where we're at. You know and for me I have I have, Some ballers showing up at my doorstep now, as well too. So, like it's an exciting time, right? We're transitioning. Um, There is a lot of interest even though our record's been sort of middle of the pack. The word's out; people want to be here.; people want to come play for me. So there is that part too. So anyway,
Speaker 6 01:46:49
Now you know the way that you just said uh, how you referenced Amy's message. Maybe I just heard you differently. It was like, if you want to be considered to stay on the red team, you want to try it. Yes, But so both both both because I went and pulled it up. That's why I was, and it says black team.
Speaker 8 01:47:14
So that's why I was So. So so so i a week i toldian, he needs to frame this conversation with the parents, because this is sort of my. So, we Amy and I are committed to make sure the team can move forward. I found a coach, which I think is a good fit one that actually wants to follow my methodology. Going to lean on me to help mentor him, like I did for Caitlin for a long time, right? So you have this coach that is going to coach the way I coach, to his ability, right? Teach him the same stuff. But there are players on the red team that I shall remain nameless, right? That i. 
Speaker 8 01:47:55
If I even if even if I was still there, I probably will not ask back because the parents are problems. So it needs to be worded as such in that parent meeting to say, "if you would like to be considered for this team, make sure you let them know." And obviously she said, "hey, anyone interested in trying out for my team? Feel free to let us know." Right? So t here is going to be some players that say, hey, You know some that I haven't had conversations with right?" They're going to say, "Hey, we're interested in moving up and on." And you know, nothing against Ian, but we would like to be considered. Right? But they're also going to be up against. So when I say tryouts right, you don't get to just say you want to move up. Right, now you are up against the kids that are coming from, like one teams elsewhere. You know so and the top the top talent stays.
Speaker 8 01:48:51
Right, unless I've had if I've already had decisions and conversation. So, I am not going to retract like Matthew's conversation, right? So you don't have to worry; that's not right. It might just be hey, where is he on the depth chart? I had this new kid show up; you know, he has another battle in front of him. Is he good with that? That's a different conversation than you know. I appreciate you clarifying. 
Speaker 6 01:49:13
Because so it was like, yes Do I need to clarify? You know,
Speaker 8 01:49:16
So I appreciate you saying that. So so don't i mean That's that's not gonna, You know, but if if now I decide to carry which we talked about before, I might carry sixteen. Yeah, which is more than I am supposed to. But like that's not a new decision. I told you that a month ago. No, right? Like look, I might yeah i might carry a big roster. So if he is lower on the depth chart or he's higher, We don't know because I don't know who else is showing up. You know um I just signed one a twenty fourteen.
Speaker 8 01:49:48
Um, who isn't even signed signed the one that verbally committed, right? He's a little baller, right? So we're adding to the roster. Um, I am not going to take away from the parents and the families that I've talked to already. Right? Ian already knows I plan to take a couple, so he's fine. But like and not to pick on him like the Jacksons of the world. Like Brian's such cancer. I'll just be honest. Like you and I always speak candidly. He shouldn't keep him around. He's going to ruin, Any any potential of that thing moving forward, even if he doesn't mean to. I don't even think he means ill. I don't know that he knows not to self destruct, but he blew up three teams. Yeah,
Speaker 6 01:50:33
Single handedly. Well, He so He spent the first half hour of the of the show time on the game, telling me, you know, how was it? What's her name? Um Jocelyn? Um yeah was was wronged and, Yeah, and I was just like, "Dude, well, it's not fair the way he's treating." And we don't need to go into it. I am like, "But dude, do you seriously want if she's a nine? You want him pushing and the rest of the team is a seven? You really want him pushing her at an eight? Or do you want her pushing at you know, pushing at a ten?" Yeah. Well that's not the point. And, then it was like look man. Manny was but was was the best kid in the beginning. Manny was the best kid on the B team, and he was sitting.
Speaker 6 01:51:18
Because coach couldn't get through to him, And then and then he did because Matt and Maddie started doing the thing that he wanted to. Is it possible that that's no? It was like," All right, never mind." Yeah,
Speaker 8 01:51:32
Yeah, no.
Speaker 6 01:51:33
So I was like trying to like get him to kind of go like. So anyway.
Speaker 8 01:51:38
So as a young coach knew like that's just somebody, even if he's an impactful player. He's, he's more he's going to become more of a distraction and a detriment than a. And and I shouldn't speak on other children. It's not fair for me to, but I am just being honest, you know. So that's an example of somebody if he says, oh if you want to stay tell me that's guaranteeing them a spot. You can't do that. Right Because you also don't know who else is showing up right? Right So where I am now is for that team, I want to help him to make sure he is successful. You are losing two to three.
Speaker 8 01:52:14
Now, four. If you don't invite Jackson back, right? Um, three to me likely, right? Um. And then four or five maybe, right? So now you went from. You know eleven or twelve to so now you need players. If I bring in six hitters right from tryouts I might move one or two down. So and just because they're on my team now doesn't mean they get to stay. There are players that may not see the field enough, and I'll have to have conversations with their parents, right? Like t here is a lot that can happen. This is close soccer, right? Um. So if I have players that I might move down, what is he going to do with that? Right. Right does that Does that move somebody else down further on the depth chart? Do they even want to stay? You know um. Does that all make sense like I am just oh yeah, but I don't want to send people like you. I can have this conversation with. You won't go into a tailspin, right? The rest of them are gonna.
Speaker 8 01:53:12
They're already reeling, right? Like they all want to get moved up, but I am like, "Look, is that really what's right for your child?" Right. Is your child emotionally strong enough to become a bench player that may not touch the field? Like I am not promising minutes; go earn them. Do you want to be the argin of the top team? And I don't want to pick on Argent; I don't mean to, but you know what I mean. Like and I can tell you right now there are players that would love. Opportunity to do so, and will feel like I am passing them up, but they're not displacing who's playing ahead of them. Right. And it's not because I don't have belief in them, and it's not because I am playing favorites. Like um yeah, I don't want to even pick on anyone in particular. So as good as Charlie is, oh I'll just use him as an example. He's not taking out Corey. Right. Just his pace of a smart player creates. 
Speaker 8 01:54:11
Right passes attitude, sucks, if you correct him, not the most coachable all the time, right? But like clearly, he can read the game and that but Corey is more impactful than he is. So if they're both playing the six I am just picking on that because he plays the six, right? Yeah, you are fine. That's not happening right. Um we changed formations on that team. So my two attacking midfielders have been Mason and Jack as well as Asher does. He's not displacing Mason or Jack, right? You know, and he might be an alternative. You know, and he might get minutes. But you go from playing almost a whole game to now getting ten minutes. Are you going to be okay with that? I am carrying sixteen so are you pulling him out? No, I am picking. I am just using the roster. Yeah, He emotionally is one that I would even consider, because he will lose him if he sits.
Speaker 8 01:55:10
His mom wants him to be considered very badly. I would, I he just will lose him this the game. He'll hate the game and he'll quit because he won't like sitting right.
Speaker 6 01:55:20
No, I mean, he's he was my favorite player on this team for the longest time. And then yep, um and not talking crap. But as as soon as you gave him the captain man, there was a mental shift where he just it went to his head. And and uh, I didn't get it up. As a player who who uh, a former extremely cocky needed to be benched player that I can say, yeah, you know, I mean, that's exactly what happened to him and just he, but he's not so. 
Speaker 8 01:55:52
And and and I think him sitting on the bench behind, you know, your Micahs your cores and I am not trying to I am not again, I am not asking you to compare these children, and i am, i am just from my my lens, the coaching lens. He's not going to be a bigger impact than the players who are playing in his stead on on the top team. Oh, and guess what? The new players coming in, I have one who's coming to try out who is coming from a pre MPL team, play one attacking mid, who might already displace one of the ones I just mentioned. So now you're just sliding down further. Right? What I am in desperate need of is that keeper.
Speaker 8 01:56:33
Yeah, which I talked to Reed's mom last week, and apparently Stryker's Irvine is mandating the age split. And, she's a little worried because they're the the keeper from the older age group is now going to come down, and he has new competition. So it seems like if he gets displaced, there is actually a shot we can pick him up. And that would be a game changer for me. Now I don't want to get ahead of myself there either.
Speaker 6 01:57:03
No, But I think you have to because there are games where I want to kneel at Elijah's feet, and there are games where I am just like," Dude, what were you thinking?" You know.
Speaker 8 01:57:14
Yep. So so and Elijah would make a great number two getting his minutes in training, right. Jacob, obviously, the non Sunday thing is a deal breaker.; he's playing all the state cup because they knew the importance of the tournament, but he's not my long term solution. Elijah isn't either, but having Elijah. So if if I can pick up like if Reed came our our team instantly is an extremely competitive top tier team. I have all the other pieces, right? I really do. Right and Newland's coming, right? I need a little extra help on the back line, which is where Matthew comes in, and Justice is the other one, right? Who I believe is ready. They may not. 
Speaker 8 01:57:60
See the field as much as they'd like in the beginning, but come and take somebody out. They're great players; they're too good for where they are. Yeah, right? So you know now who's ahead of you. You have Ethan; Ethan is ridiculous, right? Um, do I want him further up in the attack? Likely we're only playing nine v nine one more year. Right? This isn't one or the other; it's all of them. You, can't you know you have to give them field time, so they can get. Acclimated and understand the ask, so when they're called upon, they're ready. You can't just play your same nine, and then one of them is out sick and you get mad when the rhythm falls off. Right, right. I understand that as well. And, it's not a first string second string thing, because then they also never get rhythm with the starting seven that are around them on the field field players, right? Yeah. Um I get all that right? So, that's my thinking.
Speaker 8 01:58:59
Um, so with all that said, that's a big piece for me. If I can get that keeper Elijah is is our backup, Get him like scrimmage minutes and that they would understand that and they're not egomaniacs. They would understand like I split time when I can. If it's a big match, you are probably not going to see the field. Um, they'd be willing to do that right? So then I have my two keepers. Brilliant, amazing if something happens. I always have one. That's. Unheard of, right? And now I backfill the rest of the field players. That's my big vision. So, meeting meetings from him and Amy and I said, "Look, we'll train your new manager. We will help facilitate this as much as possible." But we are stepping away. I already started it slowly; I am letting him do more of the practices. I will completely step away. I am already stepping away from the team.
Speaker 8 01:59:58
But I will make sure that this transition, I help and I hold his hand as much as he needs. Help him with training, help him with ideas because I honestly want to see it do well. Now what's in it for me? Absolutely nothing, right? There is no monetary piece. There is no. I just. I don't want to see the team blow up. Right You know now keep in mind that's a new version, That's a new iteration of the team It's. Not like some of the players are already going to be gone, some are going to be coming in. 
Speaker 8 02:00:28
Um, does that all make sense? Oh, yeah. I hope I answered your question. So, so what's next is and and uh Terry reached out to me and said, "Hey like when can I uh start training with the fly twos?" Right. And I said not until after. I said I need to test this a little bit more. So, I am going to tell you guys the same thing. I literally had that conversation with him today, which is be patient with me a little because what i would like to do is actually hold.
Speaker 8 02:00:58
Real tryouts. If we were still in the round of sixteen, then it would delay another week. But now I can say, okay, all everybody's seasons are done. All my teams are done. We are now ready to uh uh to actually move forward. Here is open tryouts. You guys all come. I can identify who I think makes sense. I can tell the others, you know, What I am telling you, hey, you may not have seen a field and da. And um. And let them down gently so that they can just feel comfortable and move on. So they're not holding on to hope. Yeah. Yeah, you know. And uh, You know, holding on to false hope, and and you know, let them down gentle, does that make sense? Absolutely yeah and so so. 
Speaker 8 02:01:54
Because I, you know, if I was a selfish a hole, I would not care and just say," Okay, give me these. Good luck, guys. Peace out." But I genuinely want to see it continue.
Speaker 6 02:02:05
No, I know you do. You know, i've never look, i see what you are doing. You didn't have to recruit; you didn't have to pick up. Ian. You could have easily let the club just figure it out. You know? You could have easily once you got in just kind of gone, hey, Are good? Are good? Yeah All right Good." You know so, You know, and I know your heart as much as I think one could, you know, given our relationship. Which is also why I don't mind calling you up saying," Hey," you know, here is how your boy did. Which is kind of what I am. You know? Yeah. Um. I assumed you would have called me. You know it's like Jesse's going to hit me up at some point in time, but.
Speaker 8 02:02:44
Well and the plan was as soon as I am actually doing real open trials, all of like. Estelle has been asking me, like they all want to know what's next, right? I didn't, I couldn't even announce anything there until I finished our season. Right now you get up and two other kids come and try out. Well, they're free agents. Like I can't lose a free agent either. Right? So the one I already signed, like they're already looking. i i couldn't afford to lose them their club so. 
Speaker 8 02:03:21
That's where I am at is now. I'll let everyone know, hey, now we're doing open practices. If you'd like to be evaluated, if you'd like to be considered. Um and our meeting on Wednesday or Thursday, whatever day they did, I don't even remember. I'm showing up. I will help run it. I will say okay parents, You know, standards are the same coaching in. Here's your cards. Please keep solid on behavior. We'll talk about this more at the. Parent meeting, which I will attend and help him with his first one. You know, he hasn't done that. Right? They're getting really experienced coaches that are terrible. Like they've been doing it, you know, six seven year coaches. And they're still like they don't do good three three season meetings, and you know, um I want to help him see what it should look like. And then Amy said, dude I'll help I'll help whatever manager you get in place, and I will.
Speaker 8 02:04:20
Coach them on how to do this because the club doesn't really have resources for that. Um, you know, how do you learn? You usually have to buddy up with somebody and go, okay, I am stuck. What do I do now? How do I get in the print rosters? You know, where is the medical releases? Where do I send them? How does the money work? You know all of that. Yeah. It's not easy. Um We make it look easy because we've been doing it so long. Um. 
Speaker 6 02:04:50
And we don't see it. I mean, exactly the only the only reason why Ium know actually what you guys, I mean we we manage their rangers, you know. So t here is the meetings, t here is the budgets, t here is that all the stuff that nobody ever sees. You know, nope, It's like, oh, she just has to send out some messages and get a scrimmage every now. And again. It's like no no,
Speaker 8 02:05:12
Soum we'll help train whoever takes over there now now it's next. So, what I would say is, I am not moving you guys to any team step. What I don't want to do is send this into a tailspin. Oh my god, We you know uh Maddie's gone and and Justice is gone, and we have no keeper. And oh, now, Jackson's leaving. And oh, the sky is falling. Let's let it work out guys, you know calm down. Right. This isn't the end of the world. The pieces there are good.
Speaker 8 02:05:46
Let's see who we are. I don't know who I am moving down there. There are players that aren't playing as much as they should, even on the current top team, that might want to just see the field more, right? So they might be you know one that wants to go to Ian, which changes everything. You know, I don't need seven strikers in zero. So we have conversations look. You know, I still don't want the numbers replicated because I still want to be able to, even if I am not the coach, i want to be able to borrow back and forth. I want real pathways. What, he and what he and I created, which was the understanding and the synergy to know we're here to create a pathway. I need all the families to know that you are not stuck if you want an opportunity. Right? He is going to help me to identify players I should look at. Am going gonna invite them on occasion.
Speaker 8 02:06:45
We need to treat it like other sports. The other thing that nobody knows is he loves my ideas as far as like player time, position specific days. So we've been talking at length about the fact: look, you are going to share my methodologies, share my vision on how we play the game. We're now going to be able to run center back days, right? Center mid days, striker days where it's a position specific Specific day, maybe Caitlin takes all the midfielders, I take all the forwards, he takes all the back line. And we work on specific, you know, Player actions is the word I am going to use for that for a position specific session. You know like you know what's your body shape on the back line? You know how what is what is my real cover look like? Right and just both teams.
Speaker 8 02:07:43
And all of my center backs are training together. All my outside backs are training together, right? So that we can do things that affect them. I've sent him on the quest, and I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but I've asked him, "Hey, talk to your younger buddies. I am looking for a dedicated keeper trainer for our two teams. Come out once a week and spend time with our keepers," right? So but ready to Cut out a slice of your pie because you're gonna have to pay them for those hours. And I'm gonna pay them for those hours so that our keepers, because the club is not providing it consistent enough, that way our keepers are getting the attention they need. Because I want to see my age group progress thrive, right? They're not giving me a title of youth director. I'm not asking for it, but I want to treat it as though I'm the director. These are my you know my crew.
Speaker 8 02:08:42
This is my coaching staff that I am mentoring and helping them to coach the way I coach, so that I have depth. So, I can my team if you will. So he's like, "I am in with you for long haul." Like, " I want to coach alongside you because I love the way you do it and I want to do it the way you do." Right? I would rather have that than somebody who has their own ideas, because then our kids are never really going to be able to go up. And. Up and down on the same one. Yeah, how do you create a real program? You don't have, you're allowed to have individual thought, but you color within the lines. Does all that make sense? Yeah. So admittedly I'm being naive in thinking I can do so, but I really think I can. Kaitlyn already coaches like I do. She spent so long with me. She's her own individual. She absolutely brings a different energy her her in the game, and we don't always see the game the same way, which is what the parents struggle with sometimes.
Speaker 8 02:09:42
But the training methodology is the same. The in game coaching can be different, right? Right, because we all have our own ideas. But the building from the back, The possession based right like, you know, and using rondos as as a tool, not just a warm up. All of that is part of the overarching principle. Yeah, I like it. I like it. Does that all make sense? Yeah, absolutely. I know specifically you are like what's up for Maddie No,
Speaker 6 02:10:11
I could, Look, but go ahead. Go ahead. Pour it on. Pour it on.
Speaker 8 02:10:17
But he is good. Like I am not going to retract anything, But the depth is going to continue. So he seems on board and ready to step up and go. And win it. I want to be captain, I want to be a starter, I don't want to come off good Go challenge one of these kids because they need to feel somebody not only on their heels, on their shoulders, and in front of them because now I want them on your heels, Like that's gonna bring what I need, which is inner squad uh competition.
Speaker 6 02:10:48
Right, right. And and you know I look, I I love Maddie right like in a sense of as a soccer player and I think he's great. But, i i love the idea of putting him in an environment where he's not the best on that in that on that line, you know, because i can't you know. I am sure Ian didn't tell you, but the third goal they scored on us. I told Maddie three times in just this freaking um tournament, "do not jump and turn on a shot," you know. And the third goal, he jumps and turns; guy does it does a shot fake goal, you know. And it was like that was probably what sparked my my ready to outburst because I am like Maddie do not.
Speaker 6 02:11:40
Jump, it's her. So, but I mean, those kinds of things like I need him to stop going "yeah, yeah, yeah," dad. Right? Like no t here is competition now. So you are not that god's gift to the back line anymore. You know like you want my feedback because you want to know how to level up now. You know so I am looking forward to him having some competition um, And uh, you know, I think you know, even though I loved how he played this this weekend, but you know he he needs to be pushed harder. I mean one of the biggest reasons why he's standing out so much is because. He's he's a better player than than the competition.
Speaker 8 02:12:27
Yeah. Well and and it's obvious like that's something Ian identified. He was saying look I get it like I understand like he is. Like shocking should like, like you just look, And you don't realize how strong he plays. I go, "Why not? " Like he's blown away with the challenges he wins and coming out with the ball and going in on hard tackles, right? Just because sometimes he gives away a few inches. I'm like, "You have no idea how much." Like it's like Moises. That's on my top team points. He's the youngest, smallest kid on the team, But he outworks and out- hustles and he goes into challenges that there is nobody else who will aside from Ethan. Ethan does as well.
Speaker 8 02:13:08
Right, but that's just boys. That's just special that way. Matthew was special that way, and he'll end up with his growth spurts later. So I don't care about him actually; it's like none of that matters. Size has never been a thing for me ever as a coach ever. I, just i prefer skill over size anyway. I am not i don't follow the US model like big strong, yeah? I mean, I don't mind having some some size and and, Somebody who's going to disrupt, and you know, like obviously Winston brings that. But I wasn't even looking at him until I said he has to get a quicker first step, and he has to connect passes. Like he does a good job plugging holes with his just his sheer size, but that's not what I am interested in. I need a creative player, right? And so and he started doing it. It's like okay, you are ready because need you to win and then connect.
Speaker 8 02:14:07
Is it wrong?
Speaker 6 02:14:08
Is it wrong that as soon as you said Winston, I am like," Oh crap, I got to put up with the yelling again." Oh yeah,
Speaker 8 02:14:16
No. Oh she's different on this team. You've guessed it. I mean you've been there a whole hundred percent. It's so weird. Right? She and and I think it's because the environment was like they're the new kids in town. And like they just didn't want to. Draws attention, right? They're like, we better not make scenes. Like Richard's always quiet, right? Yeah. Um But they joke with him saying he's like um uh Hold on. They joke with him saying he's like Homer Simpson, right? Cause he just watches and he starts fading into the bushes. Like he just disappears, right? You could tell when he's like nervous in a game or cause next thing, you know, he's just drifting gone.
Speaker 8 02:15:04
Right, you never even see him. And they're like, "Is he like antisocial?" I am like, "No, he's like very nerdy. He just wants his son to do well. " Right. And and the way he he responds to it is not yelling coaching. He just fades and walks away and hides and watches almost like so he can cover his face. And you know, and mom is opposite right but, She's so much more calm because that's where our parents are. You know, we don't have a lot of that. I usually get compliments from refs saying, "How do you get your sidelines?" Start. I mean, I can't control it all the time, but Bob's a much better version of himself until I'm gone. Right? I step away and then you give Bob a little. I mean, That guy used to run up and down the sidelines and scream and go like " S it down!" But I'll be like.
Speaker 6 02:15:60
Bob was actually relatively quiet, you know. Yesterday when you weren't there too. It was just his wife, you know.
Speaker 8 02:16:07
Yeah, she is uh. Yeah anyway, I shouldn't speak about her but, you know. She was one of the biggest culprits on speaking, like just nonsense, like calm down, You know, But she's strong. You know She can't she's not a controllable person.
Speaker 6 02:16:26
Right Not even like I told Bob that. Tell her to be quiet and he's like, dude, I. I can't. But it was like, well,
Speaker 8 02:16:33
Literally can't like she's yeah. So. But you know it's exciting times and I'm just happy. Um. That I'm experiencing the world as I am, yeah, you know, I've done. Um kids should be amazing, right? But they might show up and like, oh, okay, well, so a lot of years of this. Yeah, you have a child. Usually, If I get the email or call or text telling me how amazing their child is, you know, Like oh, they you know, look at these highlights and usually okay, yeah, and it usually doesn't pan out. Let me just say that right? They're usually nowhere near what parent colored, lenses said, right, you know?
Speaker 8 02:17:27
Um. The ones that are, are, hey, I'd like to come try out like. More humble they're usually amazing. It's just weird. Um. Not always but, like if you're having to tell me all your accolades you know. Right current all star, you know, scored seventy six goals, while in rack and down here, we go, right? And then oh, can't wait to see him. And then you watch he's like, yeah. And then you get the opposite, right? I had one that came and tried out, and the kid fit in. Right. I liked him. And dad thought he's better than his team. He's like, oh, I don't see it. I'm like, well your kid's not standing out here. Like I would wouldn't even put him top eight. He just blends in with the boys. Right. 
Speaker 8 02:18:24
And he didn't like that I said that, right? Right. Oh well, You are just a flight, two team that's going to move up and you know, He developmentally I am like. So do you think develop help me understand that word because I know what our team is doing and I am not telling him this. I am telling you this. Like oh so you know, I want to challenge and I don't care. So our first conversation, we don't care what level it is. We just want them to develop and now your telling Ian as. You're kind of leaving. Well, I was expecting more out of this team. How do you know? You saw one practice. You don't even know what we're working on today. You didn't know if it was an intense day or a moderate day, and your child's just about to get out. 
Speaker 6 02:19:08
Right But I mean, he did it but But you're also like, You know, i I keep on having these these. Uh, you know, It's funny, everybody wants to tell me like. Oh, well, this and that. We know this and that, and then they go, "Well, how come your all of your kids are you know high level players?" And you know we're still struggling over here. It's like well You, you know, it's always one of two things. :, you wanted your kid to be with his friends or you guys were looking at skills. Everybody's looking at skills; nobody's looking at the coach and his strategy. You know oh how good are the players out there? How how good can they weave through players and stuff like that? It's like that doesn't happen in soccer.
Speaker 6 02:19:52
You know. So. And. 
Speaker 8 02:19:57
Once they decide, like, you know, and and they're finally boys. So I'm going to tell you this last little thing on the flight to right to Louisville. This is the first time when I told Amy this, I go look. This is the first time in the history of our team that the boys cared so much that they lost. And they didn't even lose mind you, they tied. But they knew that that was a must win every game. That last tie, they figured, well, now it's out of our hands. Now we're hoping for a wild card. They were in tears not just one, almost all of them crying upset about the results. And I told Amy, " I go. It finally happened, right? And all of my years of coaching, right? There comes a point where it matters to the kids."
Speaker 8 02:20:50
They hate losing more than they like winning,
Speaker 6 02:20:54
Right? And once you got that, once you got that. 
Speaker 8 02:20:58
Not just from one player, all of them right and we already have chemistry. And they're now they're going to go out; they're going to fight for each other, like never before. We're ready, right? So now I am going this is amazing. So as as frustrated as I am and I, he deserves blah, blah, blah, blah. If everything comes easy to you, you never have any, You know, any challenge you can't grow. So they they all were visibly upset and battled till the final whistle, right? They didn't have adversity, right? And they didn't care to. Mom and dad cared more about them whether we won or lost. All the talent in the world, but no drive to have, you know, like I said, they liked winning more than they hated losing. Now I think they hate losing more than they like winning.
Speaker 8 02:21:49
Good, that's amazing. That matters.
Speaker 6 02:21:52
No, it really does. I mean, What I've been trying to get and Maddie has this; my other two don't yet. And it's like every time you stand up another player, every time it's one v one, it's got to be is he better than me? I don't lose, you know. It's, you know, and if you can, if you can change it just from you know, from not just. Hey, did I give it all my this game right? But did I give it all you know this particular play? You know, did I win? Did I win? Did I win, you know? And and that's when you become the player that stands out.
Speaker 8 02:22:38
Well, and and yeah, That's just it right. It was like a it's like an aha moment, right? It's epiphany. It's an epiphany for them. It's like oh wow. And now they've crossed that, so I am like amazing. Now let's go.
Speaker 6 02:22:49
Right. And, if you can, and if you can hold on to that as a coach, hold on to help them to hold on to that emotion. Yeah, um, you know, hey remember how that felt? You want it again? Right? Like yeah. Um, that would be because the problem with kids is they lose it so quick. Yeah yeah they do then I went and played Roblox you know. 
Speaker 8 02:23:18
And I don't think we're going to be there this time. I think that it like was a turning point that was necessary for them, yeah. And I am not hold on one second. Hold on one second, yeah.
Speaker 1 02:23:53
Sorry about that,
Speaker 8 02:23:54
But yeah, I mean it's it's good. It's amazing. So, now it's just okay. So who else are we picking up? What are we doing here? Right. What's the, you know what's the next phase and can I make sure that we help Ian and companyum you know, to not lose what they have and not have them all panic and not judge what they think the team. And I think they're they're going to outsmart us and go, "Oh my gosh, these players left, so the world's ending." And then they all leave and they don't give it a fair shot, right? Um, So I just want to make sure I do my part to keep him as much as I can. But, there comes a point too, where I can't sit and worry about it either. Like I need to just focus on training my team and us moving forward. Right? So you know.
Speaker 8 02:24:51
And the clubs don't ask me to do so. They really, I mean, they care. They obviously don't want me blowing up teams. Um, but they support whatever I do. I just it i i am not that kind of person, you know? I genuinely care. I want them all to have a home. But if Bob stays. And and so if you keep Nehemiah and Asher and I was on the fence with you know, with with a few others, right? I just don't think that they're anywhere near ready, you know? Nixon's coming on like like You know, look how much he's improved in a short span of time. Um, obviously I wouldn't look at him yet. Um, Bodie is another one that has so much upward potential that um you know, he just needs a little bit more time. So those kiddos just stay put, put in the work. You know you you keep Niamh, You get rid of the distraction of, you know, Brian and and his BS, because he's going to self destruct, the thing like The quicker, we could get him out of the environment, the better.
Speaker 8 02:25:49
Right. Um, cause he's on the sidelines just doom and gloom, And then we'll smile to your face and then want to talk to you about his daughter. And you know, spend thirty minutes like, oh Ian, let me ask you about Tokay. And oh is it like stop trying to work it in? Like you are so selfish. You only care about you and honestly the daughter not even the son. So um it's just unfortunate. So, you know, Hopefully Micah stays because he has he has a ton of upward potential and and Ian needs a keeper, obviously. Um, You know, JP would much prefer he go to me and I get it, but he's it just wouldn't make sense. You know I can't. So um And again, I am not trying to tell you all the insight and all the, you know, Kellen bouncing is uh.
Speaker 8 02:26:44
A bit of a shock, but at the same time, his heart hasn't been in it. You could tell; like they want it more than he does.
Speaker 6 02:26:50
Yeah, so yeah. Now, they told me they told me a couple weeks ago at that scrimmage. And and uh, you know it was like, yeah I I. It doesn't surprise me at all. Like, he's just not been like used in the beginning.;. It was him and Maddie right? And then and then he just yeah so. 
Speaker 8 02:27:13
Um, and I am okay with it, right? And I told them like they told me a long time ago as well. I go, "I am not going to say anything," but um, and he might take a break and want to come back, right? Yeah, it's who are we to judge? Right? It's like look. They do what they what they can. And uh anyway, but you know, so now, let's so you lose, you lose three four five, right Matthew Justice Elijah. You lose Kellen, right? Right. You lose Jackson, right? So t here is five. you You hope that Charlie stays. We don't know Bob. It it is is uh opinion can change with the wind, right? You don't know one day he's like, oh well, I am good and one day he's. I am not sure, whatever, right? So let's say you keep him, you keep Charlie, you keep Dixon, you keep um. 
Speaker 8 02:28:09
You know that Elijah kid, he's behind, but he'll end up being impactful with time. I know it. He went into some good challenges against the flight two team, which surprised me. Won some big fifty fifty balls. You know, Went in and won like I, said some big challenges that I go. Okay. Well, you'll be somebody who can go and disrupt, but we just got to figure out a way for you to win a ball and get the ball off your foot kind of like Caden was. A year ago, yeah, right. Which is like you have some good natural instincts. You are you are you may not look all that athletic, but actually you can go win some balls, right? And you'll stay home. You'll stay in that zone. You might be able to be that center back for the team um or a backup too. Who knows who else is coming? Dixon's buddy came out, watched two games like I said, like basically seems like they want to come.
Speaker 8 02:29:05
Before Nixon joined, I told him I am handing the team off. So they didn't like come expecting anything different. So I think everyone will be surprised. The team is probably going to be better off minus losing Matthew and Justice, right? I think they're going to be doing well if they keep everyone else. And we pick up a couple of players, right?
Speaker 6 02:29:30
That's my opinion and that's my honest opinion. Yeah, no, I, I think so. Yeah, I am on board with that.
Speaker 8 02:29:40
So now it hurts losing the strength of the back line, I understand, but who else are you recruiting? You know, Bodie looked really good at a left back by the way. So you know can he bring equal or or greater quality over Justice? Because by the way Justice wasn't going to stay anyway. He was either going to go play his own age group and look at one of the other teams, or wants to stay playing for me. Much like you guys, you are like, "Look, I understand what you are trying to do here. I get it." But we chose Matthew not just because of the level of play. So, if I took the flight, three team and Matthew had an opportunity to go play up on the top team, but I am coaching one and somebody else is coaching the other, Matty would have stayed with me. So what I know of this is Matty's here for me, not the level of the team. Right? Um.
Speaker 8 02:30:34
Right, so yeah,
Speaker 6 02:30:36
Yeah, I've said it. You know it's it's about the strategy of the coach, because if the coach has the right strategy and the right, you know, they will win. It won't be immediate, right? But and look look at what we saw this weekend. You know outside, if you take away the second game, which is I think is an outlier on all levels. Yeah I agree. They play really well. How do you come back from a three one offset win, four three? Right, I mean, by the way, they were just pounding on them at that point. I mean, it was the other team didn't know what happened to them. It was a joy to watch.
Speaker 8 02:31:15
But and you and I both know that doesn't happen by accident, right? And, they're connecting and combining and you know, touching four or five players in the buildup and looking, you know, switching like all of that.
Speaker 6 02:31:28
Right, It didn't come from a punt and a breakaway, right?
Speaker 1 02:31:31
Yeah which which by the way, all of their goals in the second game you know, The other teams was all, you know, just physical, you know, athleticism that that made those goals. There was There was no team that did this.
Speaker 8 02:31:46
So That's that's what drove, he said. I hate losing to somebody who's not playing good soccer. I go welcome to club soccer like this is going to be This is going to be your journey. It's it's I agree with you one hundred percent, but like get used to it. It's terrible. And but I always said that, and we're going to concede goals by, you know, making a mistake playing the ball negative to Elijah. He doesn't clear it quite right, but the decision was right. I am not going to be mad at the decision. Right. The execution just wasn't there. They're children they're learning.
Speaker 8 02:32:22
We have to encourage those decisions because that's going to pay bigger dividends later,
Speaker 6 02:32:27
Right? And they can't be afraid to make mistake.
Speaker 8 02:32:29
You can't. And by the way, Those who who have come and watched are blown away by the way we play. Even Maddie's team, right? They're like," You guys play beautiful soccer." I am like," Well, I know." Thank you. Right? You know it's by design; it's what I want to see because I know. In the long run, it's good anyway. So, It's but I need you guys to help me with this as much as possible during this transition. By you know, um, I have to open it up. I am gonna you are gonna see the messages come through. Just know not of necessarily applies. I am going to be saying, hey, open trials for anybody who wants to be considered. And then I'll send out a big um, you know golly gosh sorry here is the ones that made it. 
Speaker 8 02:33:19
Here is the ones that should continue with coaching in. Right. Here is a few extras and go from there. Right. Yeah, Yeah, I don't deal. I don't do well with uh threats orumultimatums like if you don't, then I am leaving, then you are going to have to get on this person, you know. Yeah. 
Speaker 6 02:33:38
Now we're we're here for you we'll, You know, I've been trying like even with Brian, I was trying to like go can. Can you see it from this side? Right? Likeum so.
Speaker 8 02:33:48
I don't know what his problem is, though. To be honest with you, like it all started from the daughter.
Speaker 6 02:33:54
Yeah, but he wants to tell himself a narrative, And that's the you know, I have I've been meeting other people's like It's like well, explain the eleven goals. If if the eleven goals are well, tell me what position they play right If, the striker has more goals than everybody, then that kind of makes sense right Isn't that what you want You know. And so he's like, but but it's like bro. You're.
Speaker 6 02:34:18
I I don't know you're having this conversation with the wrong guy. I I know how soccer works. You you know and I didn't say it like that to him, but it's like, you know can you see it from this way? No. No, okay. Alright now, I don't know how to help you then because you seem to know more than everybody else does.
Speaker 8 02:34:36
And it's just his way. You know he he thinks he's uh like you said, I think he thinks he knows more and I'm like, well, if you do, then why don't you sign up to coach a team? Take your kid and go coach her and and do all these things, you know. You don't like me telling her you that she's not as fast as said person. She's an amazing one v one defender. So I'll boil down to she. She doesn't she's not playing in a preferred position.
Speaker 6 02:35:06
Well, that's the funny thing. You had told me that, and so I left it alone, you know. He didn't say that at all, you know. And he said this, said that. And he's like, and then I finally asked her. He's like, do you want do you want my daughter on your team? Yes or no? And I'm and of course I didn't. I know I could have poked the bear at that point in time, going wait a minute. What led up to that question, you know? But I was just like and he's like, and he didn't answer. So I just got, it's like, well, you know, i mean, you just never know what's going on, you know, at that point in time. It's like there is always seems like there is always an understanding jesse has always been open with me. So i can't tell you how that went.
Speaker 6 02:35:42
So, yeah,
Speaker 8 02:35:43
He came in. He came in hot originally and said," We'd rather have her not play as a defender and play backup at center mid, if she wants to play a center mid."
Speaker 6 02:35:54
It's a given thisultimatum: do you want her or not? Right? Yeah.
Speaker 8 02:35:58
And I said," Well," then and they said," We overcorrected. Now she's upset; she's not playing enough." Well, and he kept saying," I don't know how to sell her on this. I don't know how to sell her on this like because I don't see it." She doesn't make this. They, they love to tell me that their their child does not make as many mistakes as somebody who's playing ahead of them, and they're allowed more grace to make mistakes than their child. Their expectations are higher, and it's simply not the truth. And I said, okay, look. And this is and I don't mean to keep talking about him, but. 
Speaker 8 02:36:37
This is the this is the last conversation, and I one of the last. And I said, "Okay, look." I said, " Y ou need to understand as a as a coach and a leader. Our job is to understand what the players need from us in moments and how do I get the best from them?" I said, "If t here is any overcorrection," because it was all about Caitlin at the time. Right? She felt that Jocelyn responds better. To making sure you know when she's making a mistake and asking more from her, she's not getting yelled at more than her counterpart. They don't respond well to anything constructive. I need to sit them, tell them what to do, and then have them go and do it. Maddie, I talk too different than I talk to Jackson or Liam. It doesn't mean I am abusive towards them; they respond differently, right?
Speaker 8 02:37:36
Does that make sense? And so, and he just couldn't couldn't fathom that. I was like, "Well, no, they're not treated equally." Well, how are they not treated equally? And your child is playing a lot. Most most parents are happy. Well, no, It's not in her preferred position, and she doesn't understand why her friend is the captain and center mid. And she wants that. And she I go like I understand what you're saying. But on this team, this is where she's the most impactful. And she was never allowed to go play one position like everyone else. She said, " He said it feels like a punishment that you are putting her as a defender when her other people who aren't willing to defend, don't have to do it. So she's getting punished." And I go, "Well then you are looking at this all wrong." Yeah, you are looking at this all wrong. This is not a punishment, Maddie. You are getting punished. I put him at the six.
Speaker 8 02:38:33
Because the other one would refuse to stay, right?
Speaker 6 02:38:36
Right. By the way, he asked me about that because I brought it up. Like, hey, when coach. Because I was. This is the question I was. When you go, Maddie, go to the six here and it was like high intense. Right? Like Maddie, when he put you to the six, and he goes, yeah Was he mad at me? And I go no. Um He goes did I do something wrong? And I said," Yeah, no, no, dude. You he he was having a hard time controlling Jackson." I said," But you got to remember the relationship that you got with your coach. Right? If you ever have that question, just ask him; he'll be happy to tell you what was going wrong. But you got to also remember like he would have called you out on something, and he didn't call you out on anything;. He just told you to. 
Speaker 8 02:39:20
Shift so and And so and so Jackson not doing." So so Brian's read just you can get a glimpse into his head. His read if he was Maddie's dad is Maddie's getting punished to have to do this because Jackson refuses to. Right, so that would become his narrative.
Speaker 6 02:39:42
But would you call him earlier selfish right?
Speaker 8 02:39:47
Yeah yeah exactly.
Speaker 6 02:39:48
And that's the I mean self centered is probably the better word for for that. Butum. You know, for for that thing, and that's the thing. It's like, well, why should my kid have to do it if this other kid is not? And you know, it's just by the way I am picking up Maddie. So I should probably get in the conversation with you. Oh, but uh, you know and that's how he looked at it. He was like no the team needed something from me. But I mean those kids run this. 
Speaker 6 02:40:34
Right. And and if you're, you can make your kids so good that they're never, you know, You just the team just can't afford for them to be pulled out of that position. Right.
Speaker 6 02:40:54
It's Probably true. So. All right man. Cool. Uh yeah sounds good thank you all right. 
Speaker 6 02:41:08
It's a good way to look at it. Go one more. How are you, Diego? Oh, I mean, they've been fine, But it was um kind of the end, the end of the day kind of killed me because I had to go and fix something. The last minute and screwed me up for traffic to get here on time. Now we're all messed up to brothers and.
Speaker 7 02:41:44
A band might be late.
Speaker 6 02:41:46
Yeah, he'll definitely be late. How late? 20 minutes probably. I need uh. Do I have categories on the top? Uh. Here, let me know. Actually, I need to know whether turn left or right right here.
Speaker 1 02:42:09
Then we go to this. Uh, where is it?
Speaker 6 02:42:15
How was your day? How was uh spending the night at Grammy's? Okay. I like it. Stayed. 
Speaker 7 02:42:22
Up into three o'clock. No, no because he couldn't fall asleep.
Speaker 6 02:42:29
Hmm, do you really stayed up that late?
Speaker 7 02:42:32
Couldn't fall asleep. That looks super realistic.
Speaker 6 02:42:38
Scratches instantly. Look, no cut, no Photoshop. We let the liquid flow into the tip of the pen, then simply apply it and the pop.
Speaker 9 02:42:51
It's the 5 th of April, 1943 and 79 B-17 Flying Fortresses from the US Eighth Bomber Command are making their way across the English Channel. Their target is that we're going to be picking up Ben. Racing it. It's the former car factory, but it's been converted into a fighter plane repair shop by the Germans. It's a beautiful clear day, good weather for a high profile raid. It's the fiftieth raid of the American Eighth Bomber Command against German occupied Europe. So in the lead plane is Brigadier General Frank A Armstrong. Approaching Ghent, the cry goes up: Bandits! The first sunny day of spring.
Speaker 9 02:43:32
Is darkened by the shadows of Bf 109s from JG 26. The lead B-17 is attacked head on. A Bf 109 comes in on an attack run. With the B-17 in its sights, the pilot lets loose a volley. It's high stakes attacking a fortress head on. But the skilled German pilots use speed and accuracy to get shots on target. Again and again, the German planes scream past the fortress firing All the while. Flying Fortresses are tough, but even they have their limits. According to Armstrong, his plane was attacked head on at least twenty five times. With the crew now injured and the plane barely flying, the lead plane reluctantly turns away for home. If you ever wondered how does it feel to pilot a legendary B seventeen, well try the closest to combat experience with War Thunder.
Speaker 9 02:44:29
With the game's intuitive mouse aim mode, you can fly any aircraft using only your mouse and keyboard. War Thunder brings you the most comprehensive vehicle combat game ever made with incredibly detailed vehicles and effects. With over two thousand tanks, planes, helicopters and ships to choose from, you'll be immersed in dynamic combined arms PvP battles like never before.
Speaker 6 02:44:51
That's why you say helicopter? Uh'cause it's pronounced helicopter.
Speaker 6 02:44:57
But you say helicopter, and it's the it's the way the British say it. I. 
Speaker 7 02:45:07
Know, but everyone calls me British. Like Mason on my on the team that his dad, you know, he called me Brit. He he says I'm he says I'm related to British somehow.
Speaker 6 02:45:22
Well, Zach, you are.
Speaker 9 02:45:25
With impressive graphics in four K resolution, authentic sound effects and beautiful music, War Thunder transports you to the frontlines of combat and it's available on PC and games consoles. Get into the action of War Thunder now by clicking the link in the description. You'll receive a large free bonus pack with multiple premium vehicles, a premium account, boosters and much more. Support the channel by downloading the game with the link today. Thank you. The lead plane reluctantly turns away for home.
Speaker 9 02:45:56
But it doesn't all go the Germans' way. Inside the B seventeens, the guns are firing in all directions. As a BF one o nine flies past it, it gets caught by the waist gunner. Another one o nine is taken out by a tail gunner as it tries to come in from behind. Many B seventeens are now streaming smoke and oil. Engines are blown, wings are shredded. The Germans are relentless. There's an explosion. Inevitably, a B seventeen B seventeen that can't take any more damage is critically hit and goes down. The B seventeens are falling out of formation. At a German controlled base at Douai, more planes take off, including the fast and well armed FW one ninety. Back on the B seventeens, they're horrified to see even more German planes join in. There's even more of them! One ninety on your tail! I got it! A waist gunner takes out another German plane.
Speaker 9 02:46:56
And the inevitable flak starts up. In the words of one pilot, Lieutenant Birch, suddenly a burst of flak knocked out our oxygen system. No sooner had this happened than an enemy fighter, made a close attack and knocked out the number one engine. Knowing we couldn't stay in formation, I pulled out to head for home. Another Fw 190 came in and hit our number three engine, but it didn't go out altogether. The number two engine had its oil line shot out, but it kept running. The bombers have Norden bombsights, special targeting equipment to drop bombs with great precision. It's a clear day; this should be a good bombing run. The flak is causing problems, but it's not the worst many of these experienced crews have seen. And so, approaching Wurzburg at three thirty in the afternoon, the sixty-four remaining B seventeen s darken the skies.
Speaker 9 02:47:55
Five hundred and ninety nine one thousand pound bombs are dropped by the B seventeens, alongside two hundred and sixteen five hundred pound bombs dropped by B twenty four liberators. The planes turn and head for home. A job well done. Four of the seventy nine beasts.
Speaker 6 02:48:17
I got stuck in traffic today period, Ben will be about twenty ish minutes late.
Speaker 9 02:48:32
Seventeen S went down, but that's not to be the only tragedy of the day. As the bombs hurtle down towards their target, they get closer and closer to the factory. We don't know if it was due to navigation error or Medea's error or the battle that pushed the planes out of formation. What, we do know is that the bombs were dropped several seconds later than intended for high altitude bombing. That's a, Huge difference. From the massive number of bombs dropped, just four hit the target. But it's enough to cause mayhem. A severe blaze erupts, Fuelled by a direct hit onto the rubber storage thatignites and generates choking smoke. Many hundreds. 
Speaker 1 02:49:10
Of Jonathan Roman liked your message and said," Hey traffic."
Speaker 9 02:49:18
Workers Belgian men and women become a casualty of the war. That wasn't to be the end of the tragedy.
Speaker 1 02:49:36
Yeah, comma, especially coming from L. A. Period.
Speaker 6 02:49:53
He's Doing better. Um, luckily he didn't go down big. Like he usually does. But he should be up for a run. LOL. 
Speaker 9 02:50:42
As most of the bombs landed further east on civilians, schools, homes. Nine hundred and thirty six were killed with one thousand three hundred and forty two injured. Much of Moersel lies in ruins. Radio London reported on the evening of April fifth, the attack produced excellent results. However, The German press agency were quick to capitalize on the disaster and wrote on April sixth. Direct hits on the housing blocks caused fire and destruction, and inflicted bloody losses on the civilian population. The Belgian ambassador to the United States, Count Robert Van den Straaten-Ponhot, Made a formal complaint to which the US government responded : " T. He United States government deeply regrets any loss of Belgian life incurred on the occasion of the April fifth attack upon military targets in the Antwerp area. It hastens to assure the Belgian gov."
Speaker 1 02:51:39
Jonathan liked your message.
Speaker 9 02:51:41
And that there was no intention to disregard principles previously agreed upon and outlined in the ambassador's note under reference. The targets in question were industrial establishments known to be of great importance to the Axis war effort, and it has been ascertained that normally adequate precautions were taken in this attack, to avoid dropping bombs outside the target area. Today, the site has been largely redeveloped, but the shadows of the old factory are still to be seen. This was a difficult film to make and different from what we usually do. We were in Antwerp when we heard of this story. American air crew lost their lives fighting for freedom. Those freedoms, they fought for allow us to talk about events such as these, which did not. Maybe. 
Speaker 1 02:52:28
We did not have. We just don't want to watch that.
Speaker 9 02:52:36
It's the first of September, nineteen thirty nine. In the Free City of Danzig, known as Danzig by the attacking Germans, Over one hundred and eighty soldiers and three armored cars from the SS and Danzig Schutzpolizei pour into a street surrounding a local Polish post office. Inside, the Poles spring into action. Around forty postal workers with military experience get hold of carbines and grenades. And three light machine guns are set up by the entryways under the lead of Lieutenant Konrad Kudelski. Between it all, Civilian post office director Jan Michon leads the other civilian workers into the relative safety of the basement. Then, it all falls quiet. The men are in position and the enemy stands outside. A single figure approaches, moving across the plaza and straight for the door. SS commander. 
Speaker 9 02:53:35
Willy, Bethko, he shouts. An offer of surrender. Activity in the city has stopped now. And Blaschette could be a voice. Neither Guderski nor any of his men buy it. They've experienced the German hatred towards the Poles, and they know that Polish army is ready at the border of the Free City to fight back against any hostilities. They just need to hold out for them. To hell with surrender! They'll fight!
Speaker 9 02:54:04
Guderski gives control of the frontal defenses to Deputy Alphonse Klysikowski, and focuses his attention on the rear, where he expects the real attack will come from. A second building stands to the right behind the post office, Making for a much better position to launch an assault than the open plaza on the main gate. The standoff holds for forty-five excruciating minutes until suddenly, in the distance, a warship opens fire on the Polish sections of the port. The explosions Signal the beginning of the Second World War. The armored cars roll forward with huddles of SS soldiers following behind them. Within the building, Blizikowski orders, "Fire! " The first gunshots ring across the plaza as a handful of Poles, try to snap a shot on the SS soldiers, bullets ricocheting off the armored cars.
Speaker 9 02:55:04
Which fire back with their twenty millimeter guns. The defenders retreat from their positions seconds before the shells come crashing through. The cars fire round after round as they continue their advance, shells detonating against the brick walls. But the Polish fighters escape the onslaught, relocating down onto the first floor, P rze cłows ki hurriedly orchestrating a new line of defense to meet all who come through the door.
Speaker 9 02:55:34
Meanwhile, at the rear of the post office, A small team of Germans carrying a demolition charge sneak into a gap between the buildings. Guderski and his men open fire from the windows above, landing some hits. But the Germans fire back across the yard ; bullets strike the brickwork mere inches from their heads, and they're forced back into cover. The SS team crosses the yard and disappears into the back building. At the front of the building. Fi zikowski and his men brace themselves as the armored cars focus their fire on the door, slamming it with.
Speaker 5 02:56:14
Fairmont Internal, this is Ashley.
Speaker 6 02:56:17
Hi Ashley, this is Braden McLeish.
Speaker 5 02:56:21
How are you? I am doing well.
Speaker 6 02:56:24
Um, We are like screaming to try to pick up the boys and get them out to soccer practice. I was hoping I could get you to pass them to come up to the office.
Speaker 5 02:56:33
Yeah, no problem. I'm calling them right now. We'll see you guys soon.
Speaker 6 02:56:36
I should be there in like two minutes.
Speaker 5 02:56:39
Okay, no problem. See you soon.
Speaker 1 02:56:40
Uh- huh, bye- bye.
Speaker 9 02:56:42
Round after round, the big doors shatter under the punishment with splinters flying across the room. The Germans then barge through the busted door and a wall of lead is unleashed on the advancing SS. Four Germans are immediately cut down, followed very soon by their commander charging in behind them. The frontal attack stalls immediately. The force of the SS soldiers are halted at the doorway by overwhelming fire and severed leadership. But then, an explosion is heard from behind. The demolition charge blows open a hole in the post office wall. Right away, another German platoon charges out of cover, dashing across the yard. Udesky opens fire with his handgun, but return fire lands all around him. The German assault group. 
Speaker 9 02:57:33
Reaches the wall and starts encroaching on the new entryway. Kudirsky is horrified. He has no men over there. He sprints across the post office to meet the assault all on his own. Thinking quickly, he takes the pin out of his grenade. Immediately, he is face to face with the SS force, looking right into the eyes of one of his enemies. He throws the grenade their way but a German sees him, takes aim and fires, His last sight in this world is that of a grenade arcing towards the Germans and seeing the surprise on his enemy's face. It lands right in the middle of the platoon. The detonation takes out four SS soldiers and wounds many others. Guderski's dying act stops the assault force dead in its tracks, the wounded enemies scrambling to drag themselves out of danger.
Speaker 4 02:58:27
I've been waiting for this game for so long. I'll choose L for a strong start. I enjoy playing this best.
Speaker 9 02:58:35
The SS commander, Bethka, Watches in shock and horror as both of his assaults are repelled with heavy casualties. He never even entered.
Speaker 6 02:58:45
I'll leave this here, but can youum. Put everything back there? Like sort it out so that way you guys can.
Speaker 1 02:58:53
We already have.
Speaker 6 02:58:54
Okay. This is what we do now. Oh, sort it out as much as possible please.
Speaker 1 02:59:14
Yep.

[AI_SUMMARY]
The conversations cover a range of topics including pool installation, youth soccer culture, and U.S.–Iran strategy. Key points include the importance of disciplined decision-making, communication, and ethical considerations in various contexts. In youth soccer, coaches emphasize resilience and accountability while addressing tournament frustrations and parental involvement. Discussions on U.S.–Iran relations focus on the moral implications of military actions and the need for clear communication and strategic planning. The overarching theme is the necessity for preparedness and principled actions across different domains.